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Action Steps

 
From the easy to the ambitous, there are numerous actions you can take to reduce your energy consumption and fight global warming. By taking any of the following actions, you are helping to clean up our atmosphere.

Action
CO2 reduction (lbs/yr)
Use a push mower instead of a power mower.
80
Clean or replace air-conditioning filters as advised.
175
Run your dish water only when it's full using the energy-saving setting.
200
Buy products packaged in reusable or recyclable containers.
230
Install low-flow shower heads in order to use less hot water.
300
Replace your current washing machine with low-energy, low-water-use machine.
440
Keep your water-heater thermostat no higher than 120 degrees F.
500
Don't overheat or overcool rooms. Turn thermostat up when it's hot and down when it's cold.
500
Replace standard light bulbs with energy-efficient flourescent bulbs.
500
Wash laundry in warm or cold water, not hot.
500
Install a solar thermal system to provide hot water.
720
Recycle all of your home's waste newsprint, cardboard, glass and metal.
850
For a water heater more than five years old, wrap it an insulating jacket.
1000
Caulk and weathstrip around doors and windows to plug up leaks.
1000
Reduce your garbage by 25%.
1000
Leave your car at home two days a week (walk, bike, take public transit).
1590
Insulate walls and ceilings.
2000
Get rid of old, energy inefficient appliances and replace with newer energy-efficient models.
3000
Plant trees around your home and paint the roof a light color in a hot climate and a dark color in a cold climate.
5000
Purchase a fuel-efficient car (rated at 32 mpg or more) to replace your most frequently used automobile.
5600
When replacing windows, install energy-saving models.
10000

*Sources of information: World Wildlife Fund, Environmental Defense Fund, City
of Portland Energy Office
 
Associated Pages
Make a Difference
Action Steps

See Also

Calculators

We Can Make a Difference (410 KB)

What You Can Do to Slow Global Warming (58 KB)

What Can We Do About Global Warming? (156 KB)

 


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