Issues > February 2000 (#76) > What You Can Do to Help Turn Down the Global Thermostat

What You Can Do to Help Turn Down the Global Thermostat

U.S. residences emit about 6 billion tons of greenhouse gases every year. Here's a list of strategies that can help reverse global warming and save you money.

Thermostat: In winter, turn down your thermostat degrees by day and 10 degrees by night. Every 1-degree reduction in an 8-hour period means a 1% reduction in CO2 emissions. Tune up your furnace for more efficient combustion and less CO2 emissions.

Weather-proof your home: Squeeze putty in cracks, and weatherstrip doors to keep out drafts. In summer, set your air conditioner thermostat a bit higher.

Appliances: Wrap your water heater with insulation. Front-loading washing machines are more energy efficient than top-loaders. Wash clothes in cold water when possible and always do full loads. An energy-efficient refrigerator could reduce your CO2 emissions by 1,000 pounds per year. For energy-efficient products, see www.energystar.gov or call 888/STAR-YES. See our Refrigerator product report for a sampling of energy-efficient fridges.

Use Less Hot Water: Don't leave the tap running continuously while you wash, shower or shave. Go for low-flow shower heads and sink aerators.

Lights: Remember to turn off lights. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs), which use 75% less energy and last longer. For product listings and company contact information, see our Light Bulb product report.

Cars: Our transportation emissions add up to 1.8 billion tons of CO2 annually. Walk, bike or take a bus or subway whenever possible. Use a smaller car that gets high gas mileage, and drive at a steady speed. Combine many short trips into one longer trip, which saves fuel and avoids cold-starts. Get regular tune-ups. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

Utilities: If the electric industry in your state has been restructured, you may be able to choose your electricity source. Solar, wind and hydro power burn little or no fossil fuels. See www.green-e.org

Agriculture: Purchase organic and locally-grown foods. Organic's rejection of synthetic fertilizers means less nitrous oxide, another greenhouse gas, while improved farming methods reduce CO2 emissions. Local means less energy is expended in shipping.

Wood: Reduce your use of wood products and choose certified sustainable lumber with the Forest Stewardship Council or Smartwood seals when you can.