Ten Things YOU Can Do to Protect the Climate

The most severe climate change impacts can still be avoided or reduced if we act now. We can all take actions to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Driving less, or driving more fuel efficiently will reduce green house gas emissions, as will recycling, composting, and reducing the amount of waste we produce. Using less electricity and water will also contribute to a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases.

Drive Smart

Cut down on speeding, rapid acceleration and heavy braking. Inefficient driving can reduce gas mileage by 30%.

Light Right

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent ones that use 60% less energy. See here for information on CFL light bulb disposal.

Pull the Plug

Disconnect electronic devices that are not in use. Passive usage now accounts for 10% of all home energy use.

Think Before You Fly

Take vacations closer to home and use teleconferences for work meetings. Air travel is one of the fastest-growing producers of greenhouse gas emissions.

2 Degrees = 2,000 Pounds

Set the thermostat 2 degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter to save one ton of carbon emissions yearly.

Turn off the Tap

Save water and save energy: 20% of electricity and 30% of natural gas in California is used just to transport, treat and heat water and wastewater.

Take the Oil Out of Your Food

Buy more local groceries and products instead of items that must be transported long distance.

Lose the Trash

Use products with less packaging. Manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of packaging all contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Cancel Your Carbon

Calculate your greenhouse gas emissions, then pay to “offset” the damage by funding low-carbon energy alternatives. To calculate your emissions go here.

Be Loud

Talk to your clients and vendors, community leaders and elected officials. Tell them you want climate protection to be “business as usual.”