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“Sustainability Made Simple” |
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Everyday Choices You Can Make to Protect The Planet’s Future
Getting Around
- Walk or ride your bike as much as possible
- Commute using public transportation or car pooling
- Consider purchasing a hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle
- Going the speed limit actually conserves gas
- Open your windows when driving slowly but close the windows and use the A/C when on the freeway
- Keeping tires inflated at their proper pressure increases your gas mileage
- Checking and replacing the air filter regularly reduces harmful emissions
- Getting regular tune-ups is beneficial to both mileage and emission reduction
On the Menu
- Look for free-range, grass-fed beef and organic dairy products
- Eat more vegetarian meals
- Purchase seafood that has been harvested sustainably from the ocean.
- Cut down on processed foods
- Look for local, seasonal, organic foods
- Subscribe to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program – CSA members receive regular baskets of produce from a local farmer in return for helping to fund the farm.
- Choose local restaurants over chains. They are more likely to operate sustainably
- Bring your own reusable take-out containers from home
At Home & Business
- Purchase products with less packaging
- Recycle bottles, cans, plastic, paper, cardboard and old electronics
- Enroll in a green power program or a similar environmental program from your utility provider
- Install solar panels
- Turn off all unnecessary lights, electronics (including TV’s and computers) when not in use
- Switch all bulbs to compact fluorescents (CFLs). Make sure to dispose of CFLs properly because they contain mercury and should not go into landfills
- Install motion sensor lights that automatically shut off
- Keep thermostats at 78F in the summer and 68F in the winter
- Turn down heat or air conditioning when sleeping at home and in commercial buildings when not in use
- Install programmable thermostats
- For residences, conduct a home audit, which you can do online:
o www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/analyzer/en
- Replace single-paned windows with double-paned windows in homes
- Unplug or shut off everything powered by power strips – many electronics consume standby power when they are turned off but still plugged in
- Purchase Energy Star appliances
- Reduce the amount of water used on lawns and gardens. Water in the coolest times of day – early morning or late evening
- Install low-flush or dual-flush toilets
- Install low-flow faucets and shower heads – they can reduce water by up to 50%
- Take shorter showers
- Wash clothes in cold water only
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