30 Things....

By Chris Olson, Outreach Coordinator

As many of you know, the American and Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) is currently being heard in the US House of Representatives and tomorrow they will vote on this monumental bill. Its the biggest climate bill in U.S. history and will cap global warming pollution and establish the framework for a clean energy economy. In honor of the enormous impact this will have on human produced green house gasses, I put together a (far from comprehensive) list of 30 things you can do personally to reduce your carbon emissions.

1) Weatherize your home
2) Use a push mower
3) Air dry your clothes when doing laundry
4) Compost all food and yard waste
5) Use a digital thermostat (and put on a sweater in the winter!)
6) Eat lower on the food chain (the less meat the better)
7) Take shorter showers
8) Install a low-flow showerhead
9) Leave your car at home (use public transportation and carpool whenever you can)
10) Use compact fluorescent bulbs
11) Replace old appliances with energy efficient models
12) Plant a tree (especially with the help of a child...they are excellent tree planters!)
13) Switch to a tankless water heater
14) Buy as much locally produced food as possible
15) Make sure your vehicle's tires are properly inflated
16) Fill the dishwasher
17) Switch to double pane windows
18) Bring your own cloth bags when you shop
19) Unplug unused electronics
20) Commit to cutting all use of plastic bottles
21) Buy a hybrid car
22) Reduce your garbage
23) Recycle
24) Use recycled paper
25) Don't let your car idle
26) Eat with the season
27) Turn off your computer when not in use
28) Buy minimally packaged goods
29) Get a home energy audit
30) Contact your legislators on environmental issues that important to you!

If you haven't called about the ACES bill yet, please call (202) 224-3121, ask to speak to your representative, and urge him/her to vote to "strengthen and pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454)." This is the single most important creation care action you can take in the next 24 hours. Every little (and BIG) step is a step in the right direction.