What You Can Do to Help Solve the Climate Crisis

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ENERGY-EFFICIENT COMPUTERS
Energy-efficient computers are equipped with a power management feature that, when enabled, causes the computer to go into a low-power mode. Enabling power management can save 70 percent of the energy normally used by a computer. Also be aware that laptop computers are 90 percent more energy efficient than desktop models. Inkjet printers consume 90 percent less energy than laser printers. For more information, visit Energy Star.

SWITCH TO GREEN POWER
More and more people are electing to use energy generated by cleaner sources such as the sun, wind, the heat of the Earth or the burning of biomass. For those who aren’t in a position to install their own renewable energy systems, there is another way to participate in the shift to green power. In many regions, consumers can contract with their utility companies to receive energy from more environmentally friendly sources. There may be a slightly higher cost for green power, but in general the premium is negligible and will likely come down as more consumers elect this option. For more information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency.

If green power is not available through your public utility, you can purchase Tradeable Renewable energy Certificates (TRCs) to offset your energy use. For more information, visit the Renewable Electricity Certification Program.

GET AROUND ON LESS
Almost one-third of the CO₂ produced in the United States comes from vehicles that transport us from place to place, or are used in the course of producing and delivering the goods and services we consume. More than 90 percent of this travel is by automobile, which means that fuel economy standards are of critical importance. The average gas efficiency for passenger vehicles has actually declined over the last decade, largely because of the increased popularity of SUVs and light trucks. New regulations that impose more stringent standards on these vehicles will hopefully reduce this trend, and further innovations in gas economy, alternative fuels and hybrid technology will provide more eco-friendly options.

Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible. Avoiding just 20 miles of driving per week would eliminate about 1,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions per year. For advice on how to lobby for better pedestrian conditions, visit www.americawalks.org, and for better biking conditions, visit www.bikeleague.org. A free national service is available to help you coordinate your travels with other commuters. For more information, visit www.erideshare.com. For more information about how to use and support the expansion of mass transit, visit www.publictransportation.org.

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