Step 2: Reduce your carbon emissions
The same energy efficiency measures we have heard about for decades are still the right steps today to reduce your contribution to global warming. There are measures for every budget.
Will these steps really make a difference? By one calculation, if each American family replaced just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, we'd reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by one trillion pounds. The energy company Chevron estimates that if one in 10 homes used Energy Star appliances (appliances carrying the government's Energy Star label to indicate that they are energy-efficient), the benefit would be equivalent to planting 1.7 million additional acres of trees. If everyone reduced his or her driving speed from 65 to 55 miles per hour, we would save 3 million gallons of gasoline every day.
Although you won't be able to see the impact you're having on global warming, energy efficiency produces other immediate benefits. It cuts your energy bill, keeping more money in your pocket and in your community. It makes your home and office more comfortable; reduces air pollution and associated illnesses and medical costs; insulates you from energy interruptions and price spikes; and helps reduce the amount of oil dollars we send to oil-producing countries that are believed to sponsor terrorist organizations.
The World Wildlife Fund has published a list of climate actions for individuals, and tells you how much you will reduce your carbon emissions for each action: www.worldwildlife.org/climate/involved/individuals.cfm
For more tips on saving energy check the Alliance to Save Energy's web site: www.ase.org/section/_audience/consumers.
To learn about federal tax credits for energy efficiency measures in your home and car, go to www.ase.org/content/article/detail/2654. The federal government also offers incentives for solar water heating, solar electric panels and other renewable energy systems in your home. Check the American Solar Energy Society's web site: www.ases.org
Many utilities now offer green power programs that allow you to purchase electricity produced from sunlight, wind and other carbon-free resources. The U.S. Department of Energy offers information on how you can purchase green power at www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower/buying/index.shtml