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The Global Carbon Reduction Fund recommends that you reduce your carbon dioxide emissions as much as you can and
offset the
rest. This will neutralize or cancel out the amount of carbon you release into the atmosphere.
In general, if you use less energy you will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you release into the atmosphere, reduce the nation’s energy dependence and save money. For example, if you use less gasoline, less electricity, or less natural gas, you will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The following are a few examples of every day practices you can use to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.
Remember that if we all do a little bit we can make a big difference. Also, remember to spread the word. Tell friends, family and colleagues about our website and let them know
that they can make a difference too.
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Around the
House
Approximately twenty five percent of all carbon dioxide emissions are from energy to heat, cool, light, and power our homes. Using this energy more efficiently will reduce emissions and save money on fuel bills. Here are some simple tips:
- Purchase and use compact fluorescent (energy efficient) light bulbs. They only use a fifth of the energy and last eight times longer. Purchase these fluorescent bulbs during your next trip to the store and have them handy for when the next light bulb burns out. Simply replace each of your conventional bulbs with the fluorescent bulbs and before you know it you will have changed all of your light bulbs to energy efficient light bulbs.
 Stop hot or cool air from escaping by making sure windows and doors fit properly and insulate your attic and exterior walls. If you are not sure how to do this on your own, contact a home energy auditor who can help you identify areas with poor insulation and evaluate energy efficiency.
- Clean or change your air filters regularly and have your heating and cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed contractor. Switch off appliances when they are not in use, and don't leave the television or computer on standby. Also, unplug items, such as chargers, when they are not in use.
- When choosing new appliances, such as a refrigerator, freezer or washing machine, ask for energy efficient models. You can look for the Energy Star labeled products when choosing home electronics, heating and cooling equipment, lighting and appliances.
- According to the EPA, of the $1,900 per year an average household spends on utility bills, half pays for heating and cooling. Depending on where you live, replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment and properly sealing your ducts can cut your energy bill by about $180 (nearly 10%) annually.
- Use water efficiently. Municipal water systems require energy to purify and distribute water. Do not let the water run while shaving, washing pots or brushing your teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket for toiletry items. Also, be sure to fix that leaky toilet or faucet. Some toilet leaks can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. When purchasing new toilets and faucets check to see if they are water efficient.
- Turn the thermostat down a few degrees in the winter and up a few degrees in the summer.
- Use hot water sparingly.
 Automobiles
The less gasoline/diesel you burn the less carbon dioxide you will release into the atmosphere. Here are some tips:
- Observe the speed limit. Most vehicles are most efficient between 45 and 60mph. As your speed increases above 60mph your vehicle becomes less and less efficient. You could save between 7-23% of what you spend on gasoline by reducing your speed.
- The less weight you have in your vehicle the more efficient your vehicle. Smaller vehicles are affected more than heavy vehicles, but on average you could reduce your miles per gallon by 2% for every hundred pounds you remove from your vehicle.
- Use cruise control when driving on the highway.
- Try to avoid rapid acceleration and braking. It could lower your gas mileage by up to 33%.
- Make sure you have the proper amount of air in your vehicle’s tires.
- Properly maintain your engine by making sure the appropriate grade and amount of oil is in the engine. Change the air filter as recommended. This could save you up to 10%.
- Make sure your engine is running efficiently by replacing any sensors that may be faulty, such as an oxygen sensor.
- Try to use your vehicle less by walking or cycling. If the weather is nice, ride your bike to a friend’s house instead of taking the car. Walk the kids to school, if school is near by.
- Carpool or using public transportation.
- When purchasing a new vehicle pay close attention to how many miles the vehicle will travel on one gallon of gas. The most fuel efficient vehicles or vehicles powered by alternative fuels will go a long way in reducing carbon dioxide emission. For more information on purchasing fuel efficient vehicles consult
the
Fuel Economy Guide published by the EPA.
 Traveling
- Air Travel puts an enormous amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Whenever possible try to avoid air travel. If it simply isn’t possible please offset the carbon dioxide your travel contributes to the atmosphere.
Reduce Waste
and Recycle
- Reduce waste by reusing materials such as plastic grocery bags.
- Take advantage of the recycling program in your areas. It takes more energy to make products from raw materials than it does to recycle those materials.
- Support recycling by purchasing products made from recycled materials.
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