Climate Change and Green Technology Info

This was sent by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for Climate week in September 2016, but these are things you can always do.

Take action!

Small actions turn into big impacts when more people do them more often, so we encourage you and you colleagues to find at least one small change you can make for Climate Week.

For example:

· Share a ride - Find one or two trips you make regularly that you can turn into a shared ride or a bus ride.

· Change five lightbulbs - ENERGY STAR certified bulbs use about 75% less energy, last more than 10 times longer, and generate 75% less heat than standard bulbs. Check your local utility for rebates on these types of upgrades (e.g., CenHubStore for Central Hudson customers).

· Eat less meat - One or two vegetarian days per week can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, which are higher for producing meat than plants.

· Use your drapes – Keep them drawn on hot days and open on cold days to minimize how much energy you need for heating or cooling.

· Walk or bike - See if you can turn shorter trips into zero-emission trips by walking or biking.

· Turn off the lights – Leaving the room? Flip that switch.

· Decrease food waste – Make a weekly food plan so you only buy what you’ll use, and start composting scraps and leftovers. Food waste creates methane in the landfill.

· Switch to green electricity - S. DoE’s Green Power Network lists sources for wind, hydro, or solar powered electricity in your area.

· Program your thermostat - About 2% of your energy bill can be saved for each 1° F of change, maintained for at least eight hours.

· Plan your errands – Take a look at the things that need to get done this week, and turn multiple trips into one to use less gas.

· Use a fan – A fan uses less energy than A/C, and can make you feel 3° F to 8° F cooler.

· Stop idling – Waiting in car line? Idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine.

· Eat local – Buy local food, which didn’t travel as far by truck to get to you. Find seasonal recipes and head to the farmer’s market or the food co-op.