A Citizen’s Guide to Reducing Emissions

 

Become carbon-conscious

The problem of global warming stems from a previous lack of awareness of our “carbon footprint” and its effect on climate. Individuals and families can start by using one of several publicly available carbon-footprint calculators that will help you understand which choices make the biggest difference.

Drive change

For most people, choosing a vehicle (and how much they should drive it) is the single biggest opportunity to slash personal carbon emissions. Each gallon of gas used is responsible for 25 pounds of heat-trapping emissions.

Look for the Energy Star label

When it comes time to replace household appliances, look for the Energy Star label on new models (refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters use the most energy).

Choose clean power

Consumers in New Jersey can purchase electricity generated from renewable resources that produce no carbon emissions from your local utility. If your local utility does not offer a “green” option, consider purchasing renewable energy certificates.

Unplug an underutilized freezer or refrigerator

One of the quickest ways to reduce your global warming impact is to unplug a rarely used refrigerator or freezer. This can lower the typical family’s CO2 emissions nearly 10 percent.

Get a home energy audit

Take advantage of the free home energy audits offered by many utilities. Even simple measures (such as installing a programmable thermostat) can each reduce a typical family’s CO2 emissions about 5 percent.

Light bulbs matter

If every U.S. household replaced one incandescent light bulb with an energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), we could reduce global warming pollution by more than 90 billion pounds over the life of the bulbs.

Buy good wood

When buying wood products, check for labels that indicate the source of the timber. Forests managed in a sustainable way are more likely to store carbon effectively—thus helping to slow global warming.

Spread the word and help others

A growing movement across the country seeks to reduce individual, family, business, and community emissions while inspiring and assisting others to do the same.

Let policy makers know you are concerned about global warming

Elected officials and candidates for public office at every level need to hear from citizens. Urge them to support policies and funding choices that will accelerate the shift to a low-emissions future.

Courtesy of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Reprinted with permission.