Ten ways you can lead a greener life
Step 1Buy renewable power at home. Green power uses clean energy resources. Companies selling green power to National Grid and NYS Electric & Gas customers are providing power from wind turbines, low-impact hydro, biomass, and landfill gas. | Find out how
Step 2 Support local businesses. Buy products locally, and help reduce the amount of energy required to transport goods. As an added bonus, you’ll be strengthening your local economy. | Learn more
Step 3 How many Americans does it take to change a light bulb? Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. You’ll save money and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. | Learn more
Step 4 Close the loop and buy recycled. Use 100% post-consumer recycled paper at home and the office, and save 5 lbs of carbon dioxide per ream of paper. | Learn more
Step 5 Keep an eye on the temperature. Turning the thermostat down 2° in the winter and up 2° in the summer can save about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year! | Learn more
Step 6 Practice the 3 Rs—reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce waste and recycle paper, plastic, glass and metal whenever possible. | Learn more
Step 7 Batten down the hatches. Insulate your home, and caulk and weather strip doors and windows to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. | Learn more
Step 8 What’s your footprint? Calculate your “carbon footprint” and offset greenhouse gas emissions, which are unavoidable, by purchasing energy credits. Credits will provide renewable energy elsewhere or absorb the equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions as if you had run your car or your home on renewable power. | Learn more
Step 9 Vote with your wallet. Buy appliances that have the Energy Star label and purchase products that are non-toxic and safe for the environment. Consumer tips | Energystar.gov
Step 10Drive smart. If you own more than one vehicle, use the less fuel-efficient one only when you can fill it with passengers. Whenever possible, join a carpool or take mass transit. GoodGoing WNY connects environmentally friendly people for ridesharing. This new Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council site also lists bus/rail, park-and-ride, and bicycling options. | Learn more