EPA Recommended Actions

Although we cannot control the increase in severe storms, we can take steps to analyze the risks and prepare.  Here are three steps toward that goal:

(from the EPA at: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/road.html)

1.  Buy smart

There are now a wide range of more fuel-efficient vehicles that produce less greenhouse gas pollution.  Before buying or renting a vehicle, check out EPA’S Green Vehicle Guide and the EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide Website. The Green Vehicle Guide describes emissions of air pollution and greenhouse gases for each model, and the Fuel Economy Guide focuses on fuel efficiency, including side-by-side fuel economy comparisons.

(from the EPA at: http://www.epa.gov/climate/climatechange/wycd/downloads/wycd-office.pdf)

1.  Reduce equipment energy use

Office equipment and electronics use energy even when idle or on stand-by. To save energy and reduce greenhouse gas pollution, activate the power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use, and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Consider using a power strip that can be turned off when you’re finished using computers, printers, wireless routers, etc.

(from the EPA at: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/school.html)

1.  Explore the Science of Climate Change

Visit the EPA’s Climate Change Kids website and their Climate Animations to explore the science and impacts of climate change. The site has games to help students, parents, and teachers learn about the science of climate change and what they can do to reduce greenhouse gases.

(from the EPA at: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/home.html)

1.  Change 5 lightbulbs

Change a lightbulb, and you help change the world. Replace the conventional bulbs in your 5 most frequently used light fixtures with bulbs that have the ENERGY STAR logo and you will help the environment while saving money on energy bills. If every U.S. household took this one simple action, we would prevent greenhouse gas pollution equal to the emissions from 10 million cars.