Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

 

Home Energy

Did you know... electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions, so every time you make coffee or turn the TV on you are adding to global warming?

  • Turn it off when not in use - lights, TV, DVD player, stereo, computer, etc.
  • Change a light bulb - Energy Star qualified CFL bulbs use 75% less energy than standard bulbs and last as much as 10 times longer.
  • Consider buying Energy Star qualified appliances, which incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy than standard models.
  • Change your laundry habits - use cooler water and a clothesline, for example.
  • Many more energy and money saving tips can be found at Energy Star.

Transportation

Did you know... if you drive 20 miles each way to work, you can eliminate 1.69 lbs. of pollutants from the atmosphere each day by riding public transportation or carpooling?

  • Change your commute - try commuting by an alternate mode of transportation just once a week. Walk, bike, carpool, work from home or try public transit.
  • Air them up - under-inflated tires can reduce your gas mileage by up to 3%. Every gallon of gas saved translates to 20 pounds of CO2 kept out of the air.
  • Walk or bike for short trips. American drivers now make an average of 3.4 vehicle trips per day, many of these to destinations within 1 mile.
  • Buy smarter - each gallon of gasoline burned releases approximately 20 pounds of CO2 into the tair, so less fuel-efficient vehicles contribute more to global climate change.
  • Learn more on the EPA site.

Waste

Did you know... that 40% of solid waste in landfills is paper, much of which is recyclable?

  • Source reduction is best, so whenever possible, select grocery, hardware and household items that are available in bulk, or with minimal packaging.
  • When printing at home or work, use duplex settings whenever possible.
  • Try composting - yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 24% of the US municipal solid waste stream.
  • Recycle, repurpose, sell or donate unwanted items rather than throwing them out. Find out here where to recycle many types of items in the KC metro area.
  • Get more tips on what you can do on the EPA website.

Water

Did you know... more than 4.8 billion gallons of water is flushed away each day in the US?

  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving and save 25 gallons per month.
  • Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
  • Maintain sprinkler systems to reduce leaks and direct spray only onto planted areas.
  • Water your lawn and other plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
  • Find many more tips on the Water - Use it Wisely site.

 
 
 
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