Climate Action Tips
Measure G gives us all the opportunity to work together toward a shared goal: reducing Berkeley's greenhouse gas emissions! Everyone of us is invited and encouraged to play a role in fulfilling this shared goal. This page is meant to help you get started. Visit here for a new action tips and don't forget to sign Berkeley's Climate Action Pledge.
Action Tip #9: Insulate those pipes to save energy and $$$
Insulating all hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2-4 degrees F hotter than non-insulated water pipes, allowing for a lower water temperature setting. Also insulate the first three feet of the cold water pipe where it enters your hot water tank. Heat is constantly lost through this pipe from your hot water tank. insulating it will retain the heat and save money.
For more info on pipe insulation and other energy saving measures::
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
Action Tip #8: Save Water & Energy in your Sinks and Showers
Are your sink and shower low-flow? If not, then you're wasting water, energy, and money. Install a low-flow showerhead and faucet aerator. These easy to install devices can significantly reduce your home water consumption and reduce the energy cost of heating the water. In fact, California Youth Energy Services will come to your home and install these devices for free. Give them a call today.
Action Tip #7: Feed Your Garbage to the Worms
Why send your food scraps to the landfill when you can feed little red worms with it instead? Setting up a worm composting bin at home is an easy step we can all take to reduce our own carbon footprint. When food waste makes it to the landfill, it breaks down in an anaerobic environment and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. So don't let that happen. Get yourself some worms and let the little guys consume your food waste and give you the gift of rich compost. The compost is great for your garden or house plants. Learn more about worm composting by checking out the famous book on the subject, Worms Eat My Garbage, by Mary Appelhof. Also visit StopWaste.Org and the Ecology Center for information on how to get started and where to get your worms. Happy composting!
Action Tip #6: Go on a Low Carbon Diet
Together with your neighbors and colleagues, take immediate action on global warming by going on a Low Carbon Diet. The Low Carbon Diet is a fun and practical guide that will show you how to lose 5,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in 30 days. Click here to learn more about the Low Carbon Diet. Then, send us an email at MeasureG@ci.berkeley.ca.us to learn how to join or organize a team of folks to embark on this 30 day program together.
Action Tip #5: Wash Your Laundry in Cold Water
About 90% of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water. But cold water does the trick! So switch the temperature setting knob from hot to cold and cut your laundry load's energy use in half. Not only is this an environmentally conscious measure, but a cost-saving one as well.
For the most energy efficient clothes washers, look for the ENERGY STAR.
Action Tip #4: Pump Up Your Tires
If at all possible, avoid driving a car altogether. But if you have to get behind the wheel, make sure those tires are fully inflated. Under-inflated tires not only increase tire wear, but also reduce fuel economy by up to 3%. In short, driving around with flat tires costs you money and increases greenhouse gas emissions. So buy yourself a tire gauge and check those tires regularly.
Action Tip #3: Take Advantage of a Free Energy Audit
California Youth Energy Services will come to your home, provide an energy audit, and install energy saving materials such as compact fluorescent lightbulbs...all for free! A staff of young energy specialists (age 15-21) are ready to help you save energy and money. Their services reduce household electricity, natural gas, and water consumption. Sign up by visiting their website today.
Action Tip #2: You Have the Power to Use a Power Strip
Plug your TV, stereo, DVD player and other appliances into a power strip. Use the on/off switch on the power strip to turn off these appliances. Most newer appliances are "vampires." They suck electricity in order to support features such as clocks even when turned off (which means they're sucking money out of your wallet too!). The average California household has 10-20 of these appliances, using anywhere from 2-10 watts of electricity even when turned off, and costing you up to $75 a year. So flip the switch on that power strip to reduce GHG emissions and save money at the same time.
Action Tip #1: Ride Your Bike
Ride your bike to work or to school at least once this week. Cycling is fun, good for you, and emissions free. Nearly half of Berkeley's greenhouse gas emissions come from the trips we make by automobile. And many of these trips are less than 3 miles long, which is a nice length for a bike ride. If you already cycle all the time, encourage a friend or family member to join you.