Quick Energy and Climate Savings

Fossil fuels used to heat and power U.S. residences emit about 6 billion tons of greenhouse gases every year. And transportation produces 1.8 billion tons of CO2 annually. Here are some quick, easy and ecological strategies that can help stop global warming while saving money as well as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other pristine sites where oil developers want to drill.

At Home

*In winter, set thermostats to 68˚ when you're home, and lower to 60˚ at night and when you're out. Every 1°F reduction in an 8-hour period means a 1% reduction in CO2 emissions. In hot weather, set your air conditioner thermostat a bit higher and pull shades. Once cool, switch a.c. off until you really need it again, or press "energy saver" button.

*Close heating and air vents in unused rooms.

*Use less hot water: Don't leave the tap running while you wash, shower or shave. Turn the thermostat on your water heater down to 120˚F, and cover it with insulation jacket.

*Remember to turn off lights. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs), which use 75% less energy and last 9 to 13 times longer. Although it costs up to $20, a CFL proves far cheaper over its long life. (Call your sanitation department for proper disposal, as all fluorescents contain mercury.) At hardware and home improvement stores, or from www.lightsofamerica.com (800/321-8100).

*Switch off stereos when not in use, along with other electronics--IBM and Hewlett-Packard advise their employees to turn off idle computers to save energy.

*To prevent heat loss, plug leaky cracks around doors and windows with weather-stripping. Holes can be sealed with caulk like AFM's Safecoat, which is water-based and low-VOC (800/239-0321, www.afmsafecoat.com).

*Save $70-80 per year by making your next refrigerator an energy-efficient model! Conventional refrigerators are the top energy-guzzling appliances, causing average power plant emissions of 2,000 pounds of CO2 a year (an efficient fridge cuts this in half!) For energy-efficient appliances, see www.energystar.gov, 888/STAR-YES.

*If your fridge has an energy saver switch inside, make sure it's on!

*Wash clothes in full loads and, when feasible, in cold water (reserve hot for very soiled stuff, and dust mites in bedding). Air-dry on a line or rack as much as possible - clothes dryers are the 2nd top energy users in a home.

*Run dishwashers with full loads only. New, efficient models cut water and energy use substantially.

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

*Purchase fewer new wood products -- living trees produce oxygen and store CO2. Instead, buy recycled or certified sustainable.

On the Road

*Walk, bike or take public transportation whenever possible. See www.bikeleague.org.

*Use a smaller car that gets high gas mileage, and drive at a steady speed.

*If shopping for a new car, consider a hybrid like Toyota's Prius or Honda's Insight. These run on electricity and gas for up to triple the mileage and drastically reduced tailpipe emissions. Look for low-emission labels such as LEV, ULEV, or SULEV. See www.greenercars.com for ratings.