New Energy Watch

We also have a Therms & Barrels Calculator that lets you compare equivalents related to the energy in a barrel of oil.

When thinking of energy use and potential waste and savings, keep in mind the concept of "pure" energy, no matter how it's expressed or what source it comes from. The important thing is how much energy is needed to do a specific amount of work. Energy consciousness means thinking about how efficiently you can apply the energy to the work, ranging from how you manage your water heater to how you approach and leave a stoplight in your car.

No one can be entirely energy efficient, and we all have thresholds of patience, comfort, and enthusiasm. But energy consciousness itself, and the formation of at least some good personal energy habits, will make a big difference when we put all our habits together. Other good calculators:

Soltrex Interactive Energy Calculator
EIA Energy Kids Page Calculator
U.S. Department of Energy Calculators

Change a light bulb from incandescent to compact fluorescent. Just do that one thing, and you'll make a significant contribution. No kidding. Here's a link to some information about compact fluorescent bulbs on this site. For all sorts of other simple ideas, visit Precalculated Energy Savings.

NOTE: Compact fluorescent lights contain small amounts of mercury -- poisonous to the environment if dumped in a landfill. Do not throw these bulbs (properly called lamps) away when they finally wear out. They need to be recycled. Large retailers like Wal-Mart and Ikea accept used bulbs for recycling.

To find out how best to recycle in your locale, go to www.earth911.org and enter your zip code. This is, by the way, a superb website for all things environmental – active, committed, and well-designed.