|
Why Should We Care? |
 |
Climate change from the
warming of the Earth's atmosphere may be the
biggest environmental issue of our lifetime. From
the coral reefs and snowcapped mountains, to our
food and water supplies - climate change poses an
enormous threat to the delicate balance of living
organisms on earth.
Naturally occurring
heat-trapping gases in our atmosphere, like CO2, are
increasing at unprecedented rates due to human
activity. |
|
California alone emits over 400 million tons of CO2
a year. And we are the third largest NATIONAL
consumer of gasoline in the world. Only the entire
US and the former Soviet Union exceed this volume.
Although the problem seems daunting, the answer
truly lies with ourselves. Little actions can
protect the amazing far-off places we adventure to,
as well as the people, communities and animals we
care about. Let’s continue to conserve, and we’ll
reduce emissions from power plants, refineries, and
tailpipes. |
|
Light It Right |
|
One compact fluorescent light bulb could save you $30-$40 during its
lifetime. It could also save 34 gallons of oil, 2.8 lbs. of smog,
5.2 lbs. of acid rain, and 850 lbs. of carbon dioxide. Compact
fluorescents can be found at many local stores. |
|
Be Temperature Wise |
|
During the warm months set your thermostat at 78 degrees and during
the winter keep it at 68 degrees when your home. If your going to buy
a new thermostat, try a programmable one to save more energy. |
|
Drive Less |
|
Make the commitment to drive less once a day, week, or month. You will be
helping to slow climate change while speeding up traffic! Walk, bike, skate,
or use mass transit. To find a carpool near you or to plan a trip using
mass transit visit
California
Rideshare. |
|
Make the Switch |
|
Energy conservation is important to our homes and businesses - not just to
avoid blackouts, but to help protect our environment. Try turning off the
lights or TV when you leave the room.
|
|
Get Green Powered |
|
What powers your home’s electricity? Most of California’s electricity comes
from fossil fuels. If you want your electricity to come from solar, wind, or
water, let your utility know. If you’re a
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
customer who’s not currently
signed up for green power, sign up now. |
|
Don't Leak it Away |
|
Check your faucets for leaks and use low-flow showerheads. If every household
in California used these, we would save enough electricity to shut down 15
power plants. You can find these at your local home & bath or hardware store.
|
|
Only do
laundry
with a full load of clothes and use the proper
amount of detergent. Using extra soap takes more
water and energy to rinse. For some retro-fun, try
line drying some clothes outside in the warm sun.
|
|
Buy
EnergyStar! |
|
When looking for
EnergyStar
appliances and save electricity for years to
come. |
|
Tune that Engine |
|
When a car engine is not properly tuned, it emits more pollution, wastes gas,
and lowers engine performance. Please get your car tuned regularly.
|
|
Get Green Powered! |
|
Although most utilities do not offer
viable green energy alternatives solar is
increasingly popular and has come down in price in
recent years.
Estimate payback
and find out about rebates.
|
|
Share Your Knowledge |
|
By telling others about the problem, and letting them in on these easy solutions,
we could make a tremendous difference. For example, if every household in
California replaced four 100-watt incandescent light bulbs with four equivalent
27-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs, we would save enough energy to shut down
17 average-size power plants!
|
|
Provided by:
Coalition for Clean Air |
|
|
