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 Drive Clean Marin.
#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.
#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.
#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 Municipal Water District 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.
