Twenty Things You Can Do

If You Do This:     The CO2 You Can Save Is:
 
Ask your utility company for a home energy audit to find out where your home is poorly insulated or energy-inefficient. Press a number
 
Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Use the energy-saving setting to dry the dishes. Don't use heat when drying.
 
Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot.
 
Turn down your water heater thermostat; 120 degrees is usually hot enough.
 
Don't overheat or overcool rooms. Lower your thermostat.
 
Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5 percent of the energy used.
 
Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights.
 
Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket.
 
Install low-flow shower heads to use less hot water.
 
Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to plug air leaks.
 
Whenever possible, walk, bike, use a carpool or mass transit.
 
When you buy a car, choose one that gets good gas mileage.
 
Reduce waste: buy minimally packaged goods; choose reusable products over disposable ones; recycle.
 
If your car has an air conditioner, make sure its coolant is recycled whenever you have it serviced.
 
Insulate your walls and ceilings, which can save about 25 percent of home heating bills.
 
If you need to replace your windows, install the best energy-saving models.
 
Plant trees next to your home and paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate or a dark color in a cold climate.
 
As you replace home appliances, select the most energy-efficient models.
 
Reduce waste and promote energy-efficient measures at your workplace. Work in your community to set up recycling programs.
 
Be informed about environmental issues. Keep track of candidates' voting records and write or call to express concerns.