Use the Berkeley Institute of the Environment’s
CoolClimate Calculator to estimate your GHG emissions resulting from energy use, transportation, and consumption of other goods. This tool will aid you in understanding the sources of your GHG emissions and in identifying ways to reduce them.
Compost
Composting your food scraps and yard waste at home reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and lessens your GHG emissions. Purchase discounted composting supplies and sign up for free composting workshops with the
West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority.
Conserve Water
Pursue simple water conservation actions that will save resources and reduce your water bill. These include shutting off the faucet while shaving or brushing teeth, fixing defective plumbing and dripping faucets, irrigating the lawns wisely, and landscaping with local native plants. Use the
East Bay Municipal Utility District as a resource for water conservation tips.
Heat and Cool Wisely
Save energy at home by performing simple tasks like cleaning air filters and refrigerator coils regularly, installing adequate insulation, and weatherstripping.
Look for Energy Star Qualified Products
When buying new equipment for your home, look for
Energy Star products in more than 50 product categories, including lighting, home appliances, and heating and cooling equipment. These products help you reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while you save on energy bills.
Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle
Be creative in finding ways to reduce the waste that you generate. Purchase products that use less packaging, contact your local reuse stores before disposing of household items, and use the recycling and green waste services provided to Richmond residents.
Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy that would be used for resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. Use the
West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority and the
Contra Costa County Waste Reduction and Recycling Program as additional resources for waste reduction tips.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Replace conventional light bulbs with bulbs that have earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
Energy Star rating to help the environment while saving on energy bills. A compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb uses 75-80% less energy than a regular incandescent light bulb.
Additional Resources
