Things You Can Do At Home
Your individual actions can have a big impact, especially when compounded over days, weeks, months, and years! Every effort counts and can inspire others to do the same, so get started today.
Your Energy Use
Becoming more mindful of energy use is an easy way to make a difference and lower your carbon footprint. When you save water and energy, you save money. You also reduce the demand for fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Burning less fossil fuels results in lower emissions of carbon dioxide, a primary contributor to global warming.
▢ Put your thermostat at 78 in summer, and 68 in winter.
▢ Use high-efficiency appliances. You may even qualify for a rebate if you replace an older, less efficient machine.
▢ Rely on natural lighting as much as possible.
▢ Install solar panels.
▢ Check out this carbon footprint calculator and see how good your habits are and how you might improve.
Your Water Use
Reducing your water use saves this precious resource and also saves the energy that would have been used to transport and treat the water. Investing in efficient conservation measures has proven to be a cost effective way to help safeguard the reliability of natural resources.
▢ Save water while washing dishes and don’t leave the faucet on. Rather, soap up and scrub dishes with the water off, then rinse all items quickly to reduce water consumption.
▢ Take shorter showers.
▢ Don’t let water run while brushing teeth, shaving, etc.
▢ install water saving plumbing devices. Some government run water and power companies offer such fixtures for free. LADWP is one example, check your local agency to see what they offer.
Ways to Get Involved
Individual actions are important when it comes to using energy and water more wisely, but we need everyone to contribute – companies, governments, politicians, friends, family, and neighbors. Here are some ways to spread the word and make your voice heard.
Actively Participate in Your HOA
Homeowners Associations often enforce dated policies that have negative impacts on the climate. Become active in your HOA to help steer bylaws and policies that permit and encourage climate-friendly (and biodiversity-friendly) actions.
- As of October 2021 and due to one homeowner fighting back, HOA’s in Maryland can no longer force residents to have lawns.
- Many states have passed legislation promoting the health of pollinators, including bees, wasps, butterflies and bats.
- Some states have also curbed the authority of HOA edicts during droughts.
● Individual voices can and do make a difference and you can too.
Proactively Contact Your Politicians
Climate is impacted by decisions at all levels of government – city, county, state/province, and federal. Proactively contact your representatives, from city council to mayor to governor to federal congress representatives, and tell them that climate is important to you, and that you vote accordingly.
- Yes, there are a lot of representatives to contact, so if you can’t do it all, make a plan to contact 1 or 2 a week, and schedule it.
- Common Cause makes finding your elected politicians easy.
Stay Informed About Legislation and Get Involved
Staying informed can take many forms. It may mean joining a local climate advocacy email list, or keeping up to date with city council agendas.
- When climate related proposals arise, contact your representatives and make your voice heard. An email may be enough, or pay a visit to your city council meeting.
Remember, challenging policies and decisions can result in change, even little ones that will add up.
Where to Learn More
Using energy and water in a more sustainable manner can be a complex topic with myriad ways we can help that are varied, interesting, and challenging. Here are some places where you can learn more.
Get More Information on Energy and Water Use
Browse some of these authoritative sites for more detailed information, products, rebates, and inspiration to reduce your energy and water consumption.
- Browse your local gas and energy utility website for energy saving tips and rebates
- Learn water savings tips and other steps you can take at home.
- Calculate your water footprint and get tips on how to conserve water.
- Regular home maintenance actions really add up the energy savings.