Energy

Saving energy is good for the planet, and good for your wallet.

Energy allows mobility, growth, adaptability and development. Access to reliable energy allows children to learn remotely and study after dark, families to heat their homes and refrigerate their food, medical staff to perform life-saving procedures, and businesses to grow and expand. Using energy wisely and choosing renewable energy options is important for our own well-being as well as the health of our planet.

Calculate My Digital Carbon Footprint

I will calculate my digital carbon footprint and take steps to reduce my CO2 emissions.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Calculate and reduce your internet's CO2 emissions

More granular info on calculating digital emissions

What is a digital carbon footprint?

Digital Carbon Footprint
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Invite a Friend to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of their Household

Individual actions are important, but people and organizations working together can make a real impact. I will share a carbon calculator with a friend and invite them to calculate the carbon footprint of their household.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Offset Calculator: Tradewater
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Calculate the Carbon Footprint of my Household

I will calculate the carbon emissions associated with my household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Carbon Footprint Calculator

Offset Calculator: Tradewater
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Choose LED Bulbs

I will replace (___) incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star-certified LED bulbs, saving up to $14 per fixture per year.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Energy Star: Light Bulbs

Switching to LED Lighting: the Health, Financial and Environmental Benefits
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Adjust the Thermostat

I will adjust my thermostat down 2 degrees from usual when I use the heat, and up 2 degrees when I use air conditioning.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

2° for Change

8 Mistakes People Make With Their Programmable Thermostat
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DAILY ACTION
Choose Clean/Renewable Energy

I will sign up for my utility company's clean/renewable energy option.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Drawdown: Electricity
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Support Resilient Powergrids

A community can be brought to its knees without dependable power, often affecting the most vulnerable. I will write (___) letters or emails per day to a public official or company to advocate for a more resilient power grid (e.g. microgrids, solar+storage).
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Using Energy Storage to Improve Public Health in Disadvantaged Communities

The 4 Main Pillars of Enhancing Utility Grid Resilience
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DAILY ACTION
Online Energy Audit

I will complete an online energy audit of my home, office, or dorm room and identify my next steps for saving energy.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits

Energy efficiency scavenger hunt - Ameren
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Turn It Off

I will keep lights, electronics, and appliances turned off when not using them.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Slay Energy Vampires and Save

Smarter House: Shrink Your Dorm Footprint
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DAILY ACTION
Switch to Cold Water

I will switch to washing my clothes in cold water, saving up to 1,600 lbs of CO2 over the course of the next year.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Cold Water Saves
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Install Alternative Energy

I will install an alternative energy system, such as solar electric systems or solar water heaters.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Planning for Home Renewable Energy Systems

8 Ways to Power Your Home With Renewable Energy

Solutions news on rooftop solar
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Use an Energy Meter

I will use an energy meter to monitor my energy use and identify opportunities to save power.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Best Home Energy Monitors
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Heat and Cool Naturally

I will naturally heat and cool my house, office, or dorm room by opening or closing my windows, curtains, and blinds, and by using fans.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Smarter House: Shrink Your Dorm Footprint

24 Tricks to Survive Hot Summer Nights (without AC)
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DAILY ACTION
Upgrade Heating & Cooling Units

I will replace inefficient heating and cooling units with energy saving units.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Energy Star: Heat and Cool Efficiently

Energy Star: When Is It Time to Replace?
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Upgrade My Windows

I will upgrade the windows or weatherstripping in my home or office to reduce air leaks and save on energy costs.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Energy Star: Why Seal and Insulate?

Energy Star: Sealing Behind Window and Door Trim
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Donate to or Volunteer for Low-Income Solar Initiatives

Whether it's by donating or volunteering, I will research the benefits of low-income solar and find out how I can support low-income solar initiatives in my area.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Short Film: Powering Communities

Organization: Grid Alternatives
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn About Energy Issues on the Ballot

I will spend (___) minutes learning about local or national energy issues that will be on the voting ballot this fall.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Energy on the Ballot
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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