Being Green

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Check your carbon footprint online at www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html.

No Cost Options:

• Cool It
1. Turn the thermostat down 3 degrees in winter, up 3 degrees in summer
2. Turn off the heated drying cycle of the dishwasher
3. Wash clothes in cool or warm water instead of hot, hang clothes to dry
4. Close off heat/AC vents to areas of the home that are not being used regularly
5. Close curtains/drapes to keep out the heat in summer and keep in the warmth in winter.
6. Turn down the thermostat on the hot water heater
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
• Minimize Fossil Fuel Used for Transportation
1. Walk, bike, car pool, or take public transit more, drive less
2. Plan driving so that one trip accomplishes several needs/errands
3. Avoid idling the car when possible and safe
4. Slow down, drive at the speed limit and avoid racing the engine.
5. Keep your tires filled.
6. Buy locally grown food
7. Buy and use fresh food when possible, grow your own veggies
• Use Electricity Efficiently
1. Turn your computer/printer etc. off overnight. When not in use keep computer in hibernate state, instead of using screen savers.
2. Unplug AC adapters, rechargers, etc. when not in use
3. Turn off lights, TVs, music equipment when not in use
4. Operate clothes washers and dishwashers with full loads
5. When possible, use power hungry appliances very early in the morning or late in the day (dryers, washers for example)
6. Use the energy efficient settings on appliances that have them

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with low energy fluorescent bulbs. If using incandescent lights, replace the switch with a dimmer switch to reduce the amount of light when full output is not needed,
• Buy and use a programmable thermostat to reduce heat/AC when not at home and at night.
• Replace furnace filters according to the manufacturers recommendations
• Keep your vehicle tuned
• Caulk/ weather strip any gaps around doors and windows
• Put an insulating blanket around hot water heater
• Plant trees to shade the house
• Install ceiling fans if air circulation is a problem
• Buy a solar recharger for cell phones and batteries.
• Buy green energy, enroll in PG&E's ClimateSmart program
• Purchase "Carbon offsets"

• Buy Energy Star qualified appliances when replacing old items
• Buy a energy efficient vehicle when replacing current model
• Replace single pane windows with insulated double pane
• Upgrade the insulation when remodeling
• Become carbon neutral
• Invest in Solar panels such as a solar hot water heater, photovoltaic panels