'Survey sez' LI'ers (Long Islanders) support energy conservation

'Survey sez' LI'ers support energy conservation

June 05, 2008 | 11:41 AM
Five years ago, not many Americans knew what a carbon footprint was, or how to reduce theirs. Now, with reusable shopping bags, hybrid vehicles, energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, people are taking steps to reduce global warming and conserve energy.

Here on Long Island residents are taking many of the same steps as the rest of the nation, and they're aware that more needs to be done. The Long Island Index survey, Climate Change and Energy Issues, Spring 2008, released May 5, found that 78 percent of Long Islanders turn off electronic appliances, including computers, all or most of the time when they are not in use; 86 percent reset their thermostats to save energy; and 74 percent have changed traditional light bulbs to new energy efficient types.

"Findings indicate that Long Islanders are concerned about what is happening to our environment," said Ann Golob, director of the LI Index, "and are looking for ways to do their part to conserve energy."

Residents support making long-term investments, particularly those investments that will create renewable energy resources, according to the survey. Even as the economy tightens, residents understand the value of paying more now as an investment in the future. A total of 92 percent of survey participants said they would opt for energy efficient appliances, even at a higher cost.

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