Climate Change > Be an Energy Saver

Be an Energy Saver

When it comes to global warming, our personal actions can make a big difference—if millions of people do it! Together, we can lower carbon dioxide emissions and lessen the impacts of climate change .

Here are some things that you and your family can do to save energy.

Post this list on a refrigerator or bulletin board as a reminder of what you can do to save energy.

Getting Around

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Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transportation
In the US, over 30% of carbon dioxide emissions come from transportation, mostly cars, and trucks.

Travel light
Extra weight in a car or plane means more fuel burned and more emissions. So pack light.

Shopping

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Buy less stuff
It takes a lot of energy to make new things, like clothes and televisions. Try using what you already have for a longer amount of time. And choose second-hand goods when possible.

Bring your own bags
Instead of taking a new plastic bag, you can put your purchases in cloth bags, backpacks, or reusable plastic bags.

Choose recycled goods
Look for the recycle logo on the things you buy, like paper, tissues, and paper towels.

Eating and Drinking

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Drink tap water
It takes a lot of energy to produce and ship bottled water. And most plastic bottles are not recycled. If you want to carry water with you, get a reusable bottle and fill it with tap water.

Use less disposable containers
Plastic takeout containers, utensils, and bags all take energy to produce.

Buy locally-grown foods
Flying, trucking, and shipping foods around the world use oil. Help your family shopper find locally-grown food in your supermarket.

Eat more fruits, grains, and vegetables
Not only are they good for you, they help save carbon dioxide too! It takes a lot more energy to produce animal products (like meat and dairy) and processed foods (like fruit juice, soda, candies, and chips) than to grow fruits and vegetables.

At Home

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Use less electricity
Turn off and unplug electronics, like lights, computers, and televisions, when you're not using them.

Switch to "Energy Star" products
From light bulbs to refrigerators, your family can look for products with an Energy Star label. It tells you how much energy an item uses and saves.

Recycle
Donate or recycle everything that you can. Also, your family can lower the number of catalogs and junk mail by calling companies to remove your address from their mailing list.

Check the thermostat
Try keeping the temperature settings lower in the winter and higher in the summer.

Wash differently
Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full. Also, wash them in cold or warm water instead of hot water.

Turn to "clean" energy
Wind , solar , and hydroelectric power provide energy without emitting carbon dioxide. Your family can ask your power company about energy options.