Actions You Can Take
Step 1: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Click here to calculate your carbon footprint
Step 2: Take Action!
Here are suggestions for activities you can do to reduce your carbon footprint,
along with activities suggested by Davis Pilot Program participants shown in red.
Then, click on the compact fluorescent bulb to go to step 3:
Note: the CO2 reduction values assigned are approximations based on national averages and other broad assumptions.
| Activity | Annual CO2 Saved | Action Links |
|---|---|---|
| REDUCING SOLID WASTE | ||
| Reducing solid waste to a smaller container | 1560-3120 pounds | |
| Recycling Curbside 100% | 1300 pounds | More Info |
| Composting Food Waste (Suggested in pilot program) | Coming Soon | More Info |
| REDUCING HOT WATER USED IN SHOWERS | ||
| Install low-flow shower heads | 250 pounds | More Info |
| Reduce shower times to 5 minutes | 300 pounds/person | |
| REDUCING WATER USED FOR WASHING DISHES | ||
| Reduce electric dishwasher use per week (100 lbs./load) | 100 pounds/ea. load less | |
| Adopt sustainable hand-dishwashing habits | 125 pounds | |
| Purchase Energy Star® dishwasher | 125 pounds | More Info |
| WASHING & DRYING CLOTHES EFFICIENTLY | ||
| Reduce warm or hot wash loads per week | 100 pounds/ea. load less | |
| Reduce number of weekly dryer loads | 260 pounds/ea. load less | |
| Purchase Energy Star® Front load washer | 500 pounds | More Info |
| TURNING DOWN THE HEAT | ||
| Set thermostat to 65-68° when people are home and active; 55-58° at night & when no one is home | 1400 pounds | |
| Turn your appliances all the way off | 600 pounds | |
| COOLING MORE EFFICIENTLY | ||
| Replace or clean AC filter | 350 pounds | How to do it |
| Raise your A/C thermostat 4 degrees | 60-240 pounds | |
| Purchase an Energy Star air conditioner | 600 pounds | More Info |
| Install whole house fans (Suggested in pilot program) | Coming Soon | More Info  |
| Install ceiling fans (Suggested in pilot program) | Coming Soon | More Info |
| Effective use of window coverings (Suggested in pilot program) | Coming Soon | |
| REDUCING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED/FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING | ||
| Reduce miles driven in a car or truck by 20% | 450-4000 pounds | |
| Implemented fuel efficient driving practices | 1100 pounds/vehicle | |
| EATING LOWER ON THE FOOD CHAIN | ||
| Switch from meat to vegetarian meals one or more days a week | 700 pounds for each full day switched | More Info |
| Buy locally produced/organic food (Suggested in pilot program) | Coming Soon | |
| Grow food at home (Suggested in pilot program) | Coming Soon | |
| EFFICIENT WATER HEATING | ||
| Set temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees | 150 pounds | |
| Insulate your water heater | 175 pounds | More Info |
| Install a solar water heater | 2500 pounds | More Info |
| INSTALLING ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTS | ||
| Install five compact fluorescent bulbs. | 500 pounds | |
| Install more than five compact fluorescent bulbs | 100 pounds/bulb | |
| SEALING AIR LEAKS | ||
| Thoroughly sealing air leaks in your home | 800 pounds | |
| TUNE UP YOUR FURNACE | ||
| Furnace tune-up | 300 pounds | |
| Sealing & insulating warm air heating ducts | 800 pounds | |
| Purchasing an energy-efficient furnace | 2400 pounds | |
| ACHIEVING MAXIMUM ENERGY EFFICIENCY | ||
| Insulating your walls & attic | 1200 pounds | |
| Installing storm or high-efficiency windows | 800 pounds | |
| Replace old refrigerator with a new, Energy Star® model | 500 pounds | More Info |
| MAINTAINING AN EFFICIENT CAR | ||
| Engine tune-up and maintaining air pressure in your tires | 1500 pounds | More Info |
| BUYING A FUEL-EFFICIENT CAR | ||
| Purchase a more fuel-efficient vehicle | 2000-10,000 pounds |
Then, click on the compact fluorescent bulb to go to step 3:
