When it comes to global warming, cities are both the problem and the solution. Worldwide, cities account for 78 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. However, since cities are where the people are, your climate protection actions really can make a difference. The U.S. Conference of Mayors is committed to substantially reducing cities’ contributions to climate pollution with actions that make sense for your city, your environment and the economy. However, this is an effort that depends on communitywide actions—individuals, businesses, schools, commuters, and governments—in short, everybody.
So far, over 300 Mayors—including Santa Ana’s Mayor Pulido—representing more than 50 million Americans, have signed The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.
Under the agreement, participating cities commit to:
- Urge the U.S. Congress to pass the bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation, which would establish a national emission trading system.
Most of the emissions that cause global warming come from fuels used to produce energy—gasoline, diesel, coal, and natural gas. Here are the top 14 things you can do to reduce climate pollution:
1. Drive less.
Walk, bike, take a bus, carpool and combine errands. Do whatever it takes to reduce your time behind the wheel.
2. Drive smart.
Keep your car tuned and tires properly inflated. Keeping tires properly inflated can save up to 250 pounds of CO2 per year. Don’t idle when you’re stuck in a line. About 15 seconds is the break-even point. Forget the "jack rabbit" starts. On the freeway, keep your top speed at about 60 mph.
3. Be fuel efficient.
No only will you save gave and money and reduce emissions, but driving a fuel-efficient car getting at least 32 miles per gallon leads to a real reduction in climate pollution.
4. Change your air filter.
Another easy way to increase your car’s fuel efficiency is keeping a clean air filter and it’s much cheaper than a hybrid. On average, this will save 800 pounds of CO2 per year.
5. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Its not just about paper versus plastic. Nearly every product on the market requires energy to produce, distribute and manage the resulting waste. Choose preowned products—products having recycled content and products sold with less packaging. It takes 70 percent to 90 percent less energy to make recycled paper products than new ones.
6. Use a push or electric mower.
Gasoline mowers are one of the biggest polluters in the neighborhood. Go manual or electric this season.
7. Conserve hot water.
Set your tank at about 120°F, take shorter showers, use water-efficient washing machines, and wash clothes in cold water. You’ll save energy, water, and money.
8. Insulate your water heater.
A hot water tank is the second largest user of energy in a home. Wrapping an insulation blanket around your water heater can help your electric bills and save around 1,000 pounds of CO2.
9. Be a star—buy ENERGY STAR™.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label, an Environmental Protection Agency rating system awarded to only the most energy-efficient appliances, computers, light fixtures, and many other electrical devices. If every American household switched to the most energy efficient appliances, 178 million tons less CO2 would be put into the atmosphere each year.
10. Turn down, turn off, and unplug.
Set thermostats at 68°F when you’re home and 55°F or lower when you’re away or at night. By setting your thermostat 2 two degrees lower in the winter and two degrees higher in the summer, you can keep around 2,000 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Turn off lights in empty rooms, and use compact fluorescent bulbs in place of standard light bulbs. Unplug electronics such as DVD players and cell phone chargers that aren’t in use. Bring back the old clothes-line to dry your wash.
11. Buy local products.
The less distance products travel, the less they pollute. Buy organic when you can. Most chemical fertilizers are derived from petroleum or natural gas.
12. Plant a tree.
A single tree will absorb up to 2,000 pounds of CO2 in its lifetime. Shading your air conditioning unit with trees and shrubs can reduce its energy usage by 10 percent to 15 percent.
13. Befriend your utility.
Your local utility companies have great energy conservation programs and can provide more information, technical assistance, and even some rebates.
14. Shout it out!
You can make a difference. Start by taking the steps above, and let others know of your commitment. Tell people where you shop and where you work that climate protection matters.
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