Earth Month Tip #5 - Reduce Climate Pollution

From the City of Seattle
Earth Day April 22, 2007

Earth Month helps remind us that we need to continue to take daily steps to keep our city and our planet healthy and environmentally sustainable. The City of Seattle offers the following tips to reduce climate pollution:

Drive less. Reduce your car time by walking, biking, carpooling, taking a bus, carpool and combining errands.

Drive smart. Keep your car tuned and tires properly inflated. Don’t idle when you’re stuck in a line. About 15 seconds is the break even point. Forget the jack rabbit starts. And on the freeway, keep your top speed at about 60 mph.

Be fuel efficient. Not only will you save gas, money and reduce emissions, but driving a fuel-efficient car that gets at least 32 miles per gallon leads to a real reduction in climate pollution. If you drive a diesel vehicle, the more biodiesel you use, the fewer the emissions you produce.

Reduce, reuse and recycle. Nearly every product on the market requires energy to produce, distribute and manage the resulting waste. Choose pre-owned products, products that have recycled content and products that are sold with less packaging.

Use a push or electric mower. Gasoline mowers are one of biggest polluters in the neighborhood. Go manual or electric this season.

Stay out of hot water. A hot water tank is the second largest user of energy in a home. So, 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.

Be a star, buy ENERGY STAR. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, an EPA rating system awarded to only the most energy-efficient appliances, computers, light fixtures and many other electrical conveniences.

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. Turn off lights in empty rooms and use compact fluorescent bulbs in place of standard light bulbs. Unplug electronics that aren’t in use. Use a clothes line to dry your wash.

Befriend your utility. Seattle Public Utilities ((206) 684-SAVE), Puget Sound Energy ((800) 562-1482) and Seattle City Light ((206) 684-3800) have great conservation programs and can provide more information, technical assistance and even some rebates.

Shout it out! You can make a difference. Start by taking the steps above and then let others know of your commitment. Tell people where you shop and where you work that climate protection matters.

For a list of other great steps to make Seattle and Planet Earth a better place to live, visit the Green Seattle Guide.