Use vehicles less and use them more efficiently.

• Bike, bus, carpool or telecommute at least once a week.
• Keep your vehicles tuned and tires inflated.
• Use biofuels.
• Don’t idle your car.
• Buy fuel-efficient vehicles.
Check out the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide and Fuel Economy Guide for detailed information about new and used vehicles at www.epa.gov/autoemissions/.

Use less electricity or choose cleaner energy sources.

• Buy energy-efficient appliances and equipment with the Energy Star label. It’s a sign that they use less energy, save money and help protect the environment.
• Turn down your thermostat in winter and set it higher in summer.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle to save energy and resources.
• Use a clothesline instead of a dryer.
• Turn off the light/TV/computer when you leave the room.

Share or donate what you have, buy less stuff.

Plant trees.

• How many trees will offset your family's carbon emissions? To estimate that number, go here: www.americanforests.org/resources/ccc/.

Take pride in being resourceful.

Calculate your personal carbon footprint!
The EPA has developed an online calculator for you to obtain an estimate of your personal greenhouse gas emissions. Then move on to the next section of the calculator for actions you can take to lower those emissions and reduce energy and waste disposal costs. Go to:

www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

Students: For more good ideas go to:

www.earthteam.net
www.coolschoolchallenge.org
www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/actionsteps.html#school