|
| 
|
Home
| About
| Birds of the Refuge
| How You Can Help
| Manomet
| Contact
Us |
| |
|
What Can I Do?
When confronted with the realities of projected climate change, most people want to know what they can do to help. We have compiled this list of actions you can take to help limit the emissions of greenhouse gases that result from daily activities.
Simple Steps Everyone Should Take
- Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). Incandescent bulbs create mostly heat, while CFLs are more efficient at creating light. You will save energy, lower your utility bill, and reduce emissions, all without any sacrifice.
- Ask your utility company for a home energy audit, to learn simple steps you can take to conserve energy. Insulation, caulking, and furnace servicing can all help reduce your energy use. Learn more here.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle. The old advice is even more important now, because saving materials saves energy.
- Raise your voice. Climate policies are made by elected officials, and they need to know what you think. Make your voice heard locally and nationally.
More Challenging Steps for the Motivated
- Drive less, using public transportation if it is available to you, or drive a fuel efficient vehicle. Don't let your car idle, which wastes energy. Keep your tires properly inflated, which improves gas mileage and safety, and keep your car tuned up.
- Replace your old appliances with newer energy efficient models. For information on washing machines and ways to reduce energy use, check out laundrylist.org
- Buy a hybrid car if you can afford one. Hybrids use significantly less fuel, and while initially expensive, recover their extra cost over their lifetime while reducing emissions.
Heroic Steps for the Committed
- Go carbon neutral. First, reduce your carbon footprint with the steps above. Then, calculate what's left using one of the many online carbon footprint calculators, and buy carbon credits for the greenhouse gas emissions you can't avoid. This way, you will offset your emissions with savings elsewhere. For information on carbon footprint, and to buy carbon credits, visit nativeenergy.com
- Become a committed climate activist. Spread the word in your community by running for local office, and then supporting green initiatives.
Here are some additional links to organizations with advice on reducing your emissions:
Environmental Defense
Natural Resources Defense Council
Clean Air, Cool Planet
Climate Crisis
|
|
