If we're going to tackle global warming, everyone will need to lighten their carbon footprint.
Here are the key things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and prepare for a changing climate.
#1 Drive an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Learn more at Ride & Drive Clean.
#2 Bike, walk or take transit whenever possible. Learn more at Marin Commutes.
#3 Shut your car off when waiting in line at the ATM or school pick up/drop off lane.
#4 Better yet, walk or bike to school.
#5 Use an electric leaf blower and lawn mower.
#1 Switch to MCE Deep Green or PG&E Solar Choice 100% renewable electricity option. Opt up at MCE.
#2 Install a solar energy system on your home or business. See your solar potential at Project Sunroof.
#3 Replace appliances that use natural gas for ones that use electricity. Find rebates at Electrify Marin.
#4 Investigate electric hot water heaters and heat pumps so you can swap out heaters and furnaces that use natural gas when it’s time to replace them. Learn more at Electrify Marin.
#1 Replace indoor and outdoor lights with LED bulbs, and turn them off when not in use.
#2 Have an energy assessment done for your home or business.
#3 Upgrade insulation, seal leaks, and install a programmable thermostat. Learn more.
#4 Purchase Energy Star appliances and equipment.
#5 Unplug electronic appliances when not in use and set the thermostat to use less heat and air conditioning.
#1 Buy only as much as you need.
#2 Buy locally grown food and eat less meat.
#3 Put your food scraps in the green can and/or compost them at home.
#4 Donate extra food and used clothing and housewares to charities. Businesses can donate food to ExtraFood.
#5 Don’t be a “wishful” recycler. Be scrupulous about how you sort your recyclables.
Learn more at Zero Waste Marin.
#1 Replace your lawn with a drought-tolerant garden.
#2 Install a drip irrigation system and check it regularly for leaks.
#3 Install low water flow faucets, shower heads and toilets.
#4 Buy water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washers when it’s time to replace them.
Find tips and rebates at Marin Water and North Marin Water District.
#1 Plant trees appropriate to your situation.
#2 Add compost to your soil.
#3 Purchase carbon offsets for airplane flights and other emissions that are difficult to mitigate. Buy offsets at Cool Effect.
#4 Find out if your home or business is vulnerable to sea level rise at Our Coast Our Future.
