What You Can Do at Work and at Home

Energy

  • Turn off the lights when you leave if your home or office does not have occupancy sensors
  • Skip the elevator and take the stairs for exercise and energy savings
  • Unplug or use a power strip
  • Obtain an energy audit for your home
  • Take advantage of your energy provider’s incentives for reducing your energy consumption
  • Weatherize/insulate your home*

Water

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to work each day    
  • Reduce meat consumption (biggest water user)*
  • Reduce water use at home and work
  • Plant native plants that require less water than non-native species

Food & Drink

  • Reduce waste by bringing a reusable to-go container to work and for restaurant leftovers   
  • Skip the straw
  • Only take what you can eat
  • Eat a more plant-based diet*
  • Bring your own coffee mug instead of using a disposable one

Green Spaces

  • Be a good steward to the earth by planting a tree    
  • Convert some or all of your lawn space to native plants
  • Use an electric or battery-operated mower
  • Mow less often

Purchasing

  • Prioritize local and minority-owned farms and businesses and support those with a climate mission    
  • Purchase products with reduced packaging
  • Buy second-hand/used*
  • Replace old appliances with ones that are energy efficient
  • Make your next vehicle purchase an electric one instead of gas*
  • When buying new, buy locally made products when possible

Transportation

  • Ride your bike or carpool to work    
  • Take public transportation as often as possible
  • Telecommute when possible
  • Reduce airplane travel*

Waste

  • Reduce/eliminate use of single use plastic such as plastic bags and water bottles     
  • Reduce food waste*
  • Start composting
  • Purchase second-hand clothing whenever possible
  • Reduce paper copies and print double-sided
  • Fix first before buying new
  • Donate usable clothing, furniture, housewares, and electronics
  • Make sure your old appliances are disposed of properly (especially refrigerators)*

Engagement

  • Talk and share ideas with others about climate change  
  • Volunteer for a community climate action project
  • Stay informed and involved with what the County and region are doing to tackle climate change
  • Participate in community engagement efforts around climate change

*These are some of the actions that have the greatest impact (highest greenhouse gas reduction).