City's first steps

The City of Edmonds has already taken many steps toward energy savings in the areas of public works, land use, transportation, and public education activities, including: switching to B-20 biodiesel fuel in most City-owned vehicles, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting in traffic signals, retrofitting plumbing systems in City-owned buildings for water efficiency, supporting rapid transit initiatives, and offering public education on solid waste reduction and recycling.

How can I help?

How you live, eat, and travel affects our climate. As carbon dioxide gases are released into the atmosphere, the atmospheric temperature is raised and global warming is a result. The results of this warming threaten our existence on earth if left unchecked. You are responsible for creating 11 tons of carbon dioxide a year. Outside of the United States, individuals create only about four tons a year. Here are some simple steps you can take right now to help.

At home

• Replace old appliances that hog energy
• Insulate
• Tune up your furnace. Keep the thermostat lower
• Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
• Calculate your home’s electrical load profile
• Recycle
• Drink tap water not bottled water

On the road

• Use your car less…a lot less!
• Walk. Carpool. Take the bus. Bike.
• Tune up your car. Inflate your tires properly
• Buy locally
• If you must drive, drive efficiently

In your yard

• Be a smart gardener
• Plant trees
• Eliminate the gas lawnmower, edger, and blower
• Compost

At work

• Talk to your fellow employees about doing their part
• Talk to your employer about it as well

Most importantly, be a role model for climate protection. Your children and your grandchildren will thank you!