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