Actions you can take
Ten steps to reduce greenhouse gases today
Global warming is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for each of us to show that we can change our habits and make a collective difference in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts say American households can cut their greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, by about 25 percent in six months through a few simple steps. Some of them save you money, and others keep you healthy!
Here are ten steps you can take today to start reducing your individual greenhouse gas emissions.
1. Know your “carbon footprint”
Your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases you produce, measured in units of carbon dioxide. Knowing which of your daily activities at home and work create greenhouse gas emissions is the first step to changing your habits. Bonneville Environmental Foundation provides a “carbon calculator” tailored to the Pacific Northwest.
2. Bus, bike or walk to your errands.
Transportation (driving alone in our cars!) is our biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington State. We know it’s hard to give up your car, but in the spring and summer, try a new way of getting there! King County Metro Transit offers information on bus routes and resources on bicycling in our region, including bike maps and a downtown BikeStation. If you have to use a car for a short trip, try car sharing with Flexcar's new fleet, in convenient areas near your home or workplace.
3. Change your commute times.
If you can work it out with your employer, change your commute time to avoid rush hour. Know your ideal commute time, through real-time traffic monitoring. Greenhouse gases are worst when you are in stop and go traffic.
4. Make sure your next car is a "clean" one.
Purchase a car based on its fuel economy. The USEPA has gas mileage rates for dozens of new and used cars listed on its website. If possible, try to fuel up with sustainably-grown biodiesel or ethanol. Keep your tires properly inflated. Learn more at Hybridcars.com.
5. Lighten up!
Many people know about the benefits of compact fluorescent light bulbs, but what about solar-powered cell phones, pool heaters, and radio headsets? Check them out to see if you can lighten up, reduce your utility bill, and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Plug in... to the climate action community!
The Step It Up Day of Climate Action on April 14 brought out 1,000 people in Seattle alone, with 1,300 similar events across the country. Although that event is over, the organizers of the event created a network that you can join to connect with others who want to take action on climate change.
7. Buy locally.
"Meet the Producers" takes on a whole new meaning when you visit Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle or other markets in the great community-supported agriculture network of Puget Sound Fresh! Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions from freight and mass food production by buying locally-grown produce and getting to know the folks who grow it.
8. Clean up your house!
There are many ways to reduce the carbon impact of household activities. Build green. Load your freezer up with ice to cool the refrigeration system naturally, reducing its electricity needs. Hang your laundry outside in the summer to use less electricity for your dryer. Try a green cleaning solution. Insulate your house to capture more heat in the winter, and turn down the thermostat. Know more about how to conserve, and what product choices are most conscientious for our climate, with King County’s EcoConsumer program.
9. Let your friends, family and public officials know climate change is important to you!
Email your representatives, write an op-ed piece for the local paper, or call your local church or school to host a climate change awareness event. Try new ways to communicate your desire for others to join you in changing their habits.
10. Change your thinking.
Our activities can have a positive effect. Green technology can save and even make money for us. We are living in one of the most challenging times in history, but it also presents some of the greatest opportunities for doing things differently and better for the future.
Want more resources? Visit The Climate Project or Times Global Warming Special.
Additional activities
Be informed
Subscribe to the new King County online global warming newsletter for information and updates about global warming. Send an email to global.warming@metrokc.gov with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
Restoration Projects
Come volunteer to help restore fish and wildlife habitat on King County Natural Lands and Parks this winter.
Native Plant Salvage Program
Volunteers remove plants from sites which are scheduled for construction and later replant this native vegetation at locations around the County.
Extension Watershed Stewardship Program
Watershed steward volunteers provide education and leadership throughout King County on a variety of natural resource management, conservation, and restoration projects.
Additional volunteer opportunities in King County.
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