Carbon+Footprint+Reduction-Mandy's+info.

= = =What can citizens do to reduce their carbon footprints?= > Information taken from: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/Minimisecfp.html and http://www.powertochoose.org/_content/_switch/other_ways_to_save.asp > > > Image from: http://www.british-car-auctions.co.uk/default.aspx?page=6982
 * Don’t leave electrical devices (such as lights or televisions) on more than necessary. Electricity is one of the leading producers for carbon emissions.
 * If you can, sign up with green energy suppliers (suppliers who use wind or hydroelectric power to create energy)
 * Turn down your AC/Heating settings by 1 or 2 degrees.
 * Use heaters or fans instead.
 * Keep doors and windows closed and don’t go in and out constantly.
 * Use curtains or shades to keep out the sun.
 * Don’t use humidifiers with your AC
 * Turn down your water heating system by 1 or 2 degrees (or only turn it on when you need it)
 * Only run the dish washer or washing machine with full loads (use cold water)
 * Unplug devices you aren’t using. Electricity can still flow through plugged items, even when they aren’t on. This is especially true for the plugs used to charge devices.
 * Make sure all electrical devices run efficiently
 * Do all your weekly shopping in one trip
 * Anytime you can walk, walk.
 * Properly insulate your house
 * Invest in energy efficient items (such as low energy light bulbs, tankless water heater or hybrid cars)
 * Carpool or use public transportation
 * Buy food within their season and locally (foods out of season need to be flown or shipped in rather than grown locally—this includes bottle water). Buying organic food is the best choice.
 * Buy local products (the closer they are, the less carbon footprint they will make)
 * Recycle as much as possible.
 * Minimize how often you open the fridge door, don’t leave it open.
 * Keep fridge full, it works better.
 * Repair leaky faucets
 * Keep hot water tank clean
 * When drying clothes, use automatic setting, dry loads back to back.
 * Use dishwashers and washers and dryers at night to keep your house cooler and reduce the strain on the power grid.
 * Don’t leave bathroom or kitchen ventilation fans on longer than needed.
 * Set computers to switch to sleep mode when idle.
 * Shade you AC units/condensers
 * Check air filters once a month and change every 3 months