cost of solar for my home

By Theresa Ficazzola

The sun is critical to our life, and so is water.  In June, we celebrate National Oceans Month to remind us just how important our world’s oceans really are. 

The ocean isn’t just a place to go swimming.  There are lots of facts about these vast waterways that most people don’t know.  For example, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): 

  • the ocean covers over 70% of the earth’s surface 
  • it includes over 96% of the earth’s water 
  • Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on earth 
  • coral reefs cover only 1/50th of the ocean floor, but ¼ of all marine species live there 
  • no light penetrates the ocean at more than 3,280 feet 
  • 95% of the ocean remains unexplored 

Challenges for Our Oceans 

Unfortunately, there are many challenges for today’s oceans, including global warming, pollution especially plastics and pesticides, over fishing, and habitat destruction and loss, including acidification. This occurs when too much carbon dioxide is absorbed by the water and impacts the ability of shellfish to build their shells.  

How You Can Help 

According to National Geographic, more than 80% of marine pollution comes from land based activities.  That’s why what you do here on land impacts our waterways.  But, you can make a difference.  Think carefully about what you do, how you act, what you purchase, where you shop, and what you teach your children. 

  • Reduce Your Use of Plastics – Over 8 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the oceans every year. As reported by the BBC this year, more than 171 trillion pieces of plastic are now estimated to be floating in the world’s oceans, according to scientists. Plastic kills fish and sea animals and takes hundreds of years to break down into less harmful materials and also makes its way into our drinking water. You can reduce your carbon footprint by reducing your use of plastics. 
  • Eat Sustainable Seafood – According to NOAA Fisheries, sustainable seafood is wild-caught or farmed seafood that is harvested or produced in ways that protect the long-term health of species populations and ecosystems. Marine wild-capture fisheries in the United States are scientifically monitored and regionally managed, enforced under 10 national standards of sustainability through the Magnuson-Stevens Act—exceeding the international standards for eco-labeling of seafood. So the next time fish is on your dinner menu, buy sustainably sourced fish. 
  • Save Water – The average family uses 40 gallons of water every day…that’s 1.2 trillion gallons in the U.S. annually. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and not letting the faucet run when you wash dishes, brush your teeth and wash your hair in the shower. Install low flow shower heads which use about 35% less water than traditional ones. You should also fix any leaks quickly, as the drops add up over time. For example, a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water every day. 
  • Leave Nothing Behind – When you spend a day at the beach or when you’re out for a hike or picnic, please take all your trash with you or dispose of it in properly sealed containers. 
  • Use Organic Pesticides, But Proceed With Caution – According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, even if a product is considered to be organic, it is still a pesticide. It is important to be careful when using any pesticide, even organic or natural ones. Some organic pesticides are as toxic, or even more toxic, than many synthetic chemical pesticides and they could be very toxic to other animals. For example, the organic pesticide ryania is very toxic to fish.  
  • Purchase Goods from Companies Committed to the Environment – You have a choice where you shop and what you buy, so why not take that extra step by researching which companies are helping our oceans and the planet, in general.  Some of these companies include Whole Foods Market, Toms, Norton Point, Happy Earth Apparel, Hippy Haven, Oceano Azure, and Luke’s Lobster, just to name a few. 
  • Reduce Your Energy Use – There are many things you can do in your home to reduce your energy use like installing solar panels. Local solar installation specialists, SI Solar, can help you or your business in New York or New Jersey save money and do something good for current and future generations. You can also switch to LED bulbs which are the most energy-efficient lighting option, using 75% less energy and lasting 25 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. In addition, you can invest in more efficient EnergyStar appliances, which average between 10-50% less energy use each year than a non-energy efficient equivalent.   

Find Out More About How SI Solar Can Benefit You 

Installing solar panels from SI Solar provide a safe and reliable source of energy for your home.  Plus, it’s easy and the benefits for you and the planet are significant. 

The owner of SI Solar, Frank Ficazzola, is an advocate for solar energy and electric vehicles.  He has both solar panels on the roof of his own house and drives an electric car.  He would be happy to talk to you about how solar energy can benefit you, your family or your business…and the planet, including our oceans.  Just give him a call at 844-SI-SOLAR, that’s 844-747-6527, or CLICK HERE for a free estimate!