Maryland Rallies Behind Real Global Warming Solutions

Most often people associate reducing carbon pollution with increased costs. This is not necessarily true in all cases. Below, I have listed several ways in which you can actually reduce your carbon contribution without spending piles of cash or "doing without."
I have attempted to associate a relative cost with each item, and the net effect on your money.

1) $(save) For "A/C" in the summer, open the windows at night and close them during the day

2) $(a little more) buy recycled products if you can find them- support recycling;

3) $(same, better quality) buy local products & produce (Local Harvest)- if they are not transported, that saves gasoline and also supports the local producer. Also, for grass-fed, local meat (the way it is supposed to be done), try (Eat Wild);

4) $(free) composting turns garbage into fertilizer and prevents formation of methane, which is 23 times worse than carbon dioxide in terms of climate effect;

5) $(save) Unplug all adapters and turn off anything that is on 'Standby'- use powerstrips with a switch for multiple plugs, if needed;

6) $(20, save) use a rake instead of a leaf blower: they are quieter and provide exercise too;

7) $(20, save) use a clothesline (Laundry List) instead of the dryer- many benefits: cleaner clothes, clothes last longer, don't get wrinkled, and each load saves 5 kWh off of your electric bill;

8) $(40, save) replace incandescents with CFLs- saves on A/C costs in summer too;

9) $(80, save) use a REEL lawnmower, which you push to cut the grass and requires no gasoline;

10) $(280/ton, even) if you have a wood burning stove, try (biobricks) - pellets for a wood burning stove- these burn more cleanly with less ash and are easy to start (available in New England and NY) ;

11) $(2.45/Gal, a little more) try to use (biodiesel) for your furnace/boiler/car;

12) $(same as 2006 electric rate- locked, save) Rent a (Solar Electric System) for your home if you cannot buy a system;

13) $(4000, save) get a (Solar Hot Water Heater)- fastest payback of all renewables;

14) $(10,000, save) replace drafty windows, if you can. If you cannot, use plastic ($10) or close the curtains at night ($0) during the winter; and

15) $(15,000, save) trade in the SUV for a car or even a hybrid vehicle, if you need a car- buy used to save money.

Start out with something small and try bigger items as you feel more and more comfortable with these changes.

There are many possibilities, and they may seem overwhelming. Some ideas are more effective than others: #1 will work if your house is shaded.... but it depends on what you are willing to do. Start with the smaller items, and as you see how it works for you, move to larger items. My family has done all of it (#3 is happening now, and the veggies are much fresher, #11 will happen when I can find some in my area, and #12 starts in 2008). In doing all of these things, our electric bill is only 200-400 kWh/month ($30), and our carbon footprint is less than half of the average American's use.