There are many things we need to do to address the climate crisis, as a world community and at the national, state, and city levels. We need to be proactive as businesses and organizations, too. But there are many actions you can take yourself right now that collectively will make an impact. Here’s a partial list.

Thanks to Gary White for the initial content. I’ll add more ideas as I think of them or find them. If you have anything to add, please comment on this page or contact me directly at sdsauto53@gmail.com.

Transportation

• Drive an electric car or hybrid
• Use ridesharing and carsharing: Uber, Lyft, ZipCar, Freecycle
• Set up a carpool with people at work
• Drive less – walk or bike more
• Use public transit where available
• Reduce business travel–use meeting software rather than flying
• Buy carbon offsets when travelling by plane from Terrapass, etc.

Save Energy at Home

• Install solar panels or tiles on your roof
• Choose the 100% renewable energy option with your county clean energy utility
• Schedule a free energy audit on your home from your local utility
• Create or join a community solar grid if you live in an apartment or can’t install solar
• Swap out old appliances for Energy Star models and run them off hours
• Turn off and unplug appliances, lamps, TVs, computers, etc. when not using them
• Put your computer in sleep mode when stepping away
• Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs
• Insulate your home and install double-pane windows
• Regularly replace old filters on heaters, dryers, and other appliances
• Use a programmable thermostat to save energy when you’re not at home
• Install a solar water heating system
• Install tankless water heaters at faucets throughout your home
• Buy a battery to store the energy generated by your solar panels
• Erect a residential wind turbine on your property if permitted by zoning
• Collect shower or kitchen water to water your plants
• Use rain barrels to collect runoff during storms
• Use bamboo when remodeling–it sequesters lots of carbon
• Landscape gardens with drought-resistant plants and add additional trees
• There are many websites to help you at home. Here’s The Money-Saving Guide to Going Green at Home, suggested by Ruth Platt’s students.

Good Habits

• Eat less meat, especially beef
• Eat a more local, organic, plant-based diet
• Reduce food waste and use a compost bin
• Use less heat in the winter and less air conditioning in the summer
• Flush toilets less frequently
• Buy green cleaning products
• Compost all your lawn trimmings, food prep leftovers, etc.
• Simplify – buy less stuff
• No single-use water bottles and disposable packaging
• Support local green businesses

Social Action

• Encourage your church and volunteer groups to put solar on the roof
• Attend electric car events to learn more or share your EV if you own one
• Join climate activists groups such as Climate Reality Project, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, 350.org, Sierra Club, etc.
• Participate in climate rallies and marches
• Divest from fossil fuel companies in your stock portfolio
• Invest in renewable energy public companies such as SunRun, Sunpower, Tesla
• Write/call your local, state, and national elected officials urging climate action
• Submit letters/emails to local newspaper editors on climate change issues
• Vote for candidates with progressive climate records and platforms
• Discuss climate change with your friends and family

Learning and Education

• Read books and articles on climate change, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience
• Educate “climate deniers” and “climate skeptics” with climate change facts
• Attend the free three-day Climate Reality Leadership Training with Al Gore
• Join a local Climate Reality Project chapter now (training not required)