WHAT YOU CAN DO
Here is a climate change mitigation check list people can look to to help:
LAUNDRY
Wash cold, hang dry
Vent through filter to interior to increase humidity in the house
Use most efficient front loading washing machine
FOOD
Plant a garden
Compost your plant waste
Resist processed foods
Reduce meat consumption
Buy local foods, in season when possible
Eat food from distant producers sparingly
Use low power cookers for small cooking jobs
Use supper efficient and smallest refrigerator you can live with
Eliminate food waste
TRANSPORTATION
Carpool
Use the RFTA bus, We-Cycle or walk when possible
Make your next car purchase an electric vehicle
Maintain air pressure in tires to help with gas mileage
Reduce flying and purchase carbon offsets when flying
CLEANING
Sweep more, vacuum less
Conserve water with wash bin
Use fewer cleaning products, more elbow grease
TRASH
Recycle at home and work
Evaluate trash weekly to see what can be reduced in future
Separate recyclables
Compost plant based scraps
HOUSEHOLD ELECTRIC USE
Choose a 100% carbon-free utility company
Install solar panels
Switch to LED lights
Unplug chargers when not in use
Switch heating and cooking to carbon free electric
Reduce house size
FINANCIAL
Divest from fossil fuel related investments
Invest in green stocks
Switch from banks that support oil and gas
YARD
Replace bluegrass with lower water demand cover, like clover.
Replace gas mower with electric
Eliminate lawn, plant trees or xeriscape
HEATING/ COOLING
Invest in an energy-efficient heat pump
Install solar hot water heater
Switch from gas to electric
Super insulate your house
Reduce thermostat in winter
ADVOCACY/ ACTIVISM
Educate yourself and vote
Call and write your members of Congress
Call and write to carbon intensive businesses
Attend local climate events
Buy carbon offsets
Write Letters to the Editors, local, state and national
Talk with family, friends and neighbors about carbon emissions reduction
Divest from carbon intensive industry
Editor’s note: Edited from a list first published by Claire Cohen Norris and John McAndrew.