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When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, everyone has a role to play.  Individual efforts may seem small, but simple lifestyle choices can collectively generate big impacts, help to shift social norms, and can encourage others to do the same.

Assess Your Impact

First, take a moment to calculate your carbon footprint using the Environmental Protection Agency’s simple Online Carbon Calculator.

    Transportation

    One of the most important ways that individuals can reduce emissions is to drive less and own fewer gasoline powered vehicles and equipment. Whenever you can, try one of these options instead:

    When you do need to drive, reduce the effects by planning ahead and combining trips as much as possible.

    Home Energy Use

    • Improve the Efficiency of Your Home

      The first step to improving energy efficiency is to find out where the problems are occurring in your home. If you haven’t already done so, complete an in-home or online energy assessment. Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) offers a free online home assessment with recommendations for energy improvements and incentives.

      Next, seal leaks and consider upgrading appliances and replacing natural gas furnaces with electric heat pumps, replacing older windows, using more effective insulation, and installing LED light bulbs or smart thermostats. These actions save energy, reduce heating needs in the winter, and can save money over time.

    • Conserve Energy & Water

      Simple actions like turning off lights, unplugging appliances, limiting laundry loads, and minimizing the use of heating and cooling can add up to both resource and cost savings. Water conservation also saves energy. Find out how much that leaky faucet can waste with the Water Wasted Drip Calendar.

    • Install or Purchase Renewable Energy

      If you can, consider installing solar panels on your roof or accessing solar energy through a community solar project. The Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) has information on solar incentive and assistance programs for residential and commercial customers within the Salem service area (those served by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power). Salem Electric also offers incentives for residential solar systems that meet certain conditions.

      As an alternative, green energy credits can be purchased through Portland General Electric and Pacific Power.

    • Reduce Natural Gas Usage

      When possible, replace natural gas-powered appliances like furnaces, stoves, and water heaters with electric alternatives.  Electric heat pumps provide heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.

    Reduce Waste (Especially Food Waste)

    Materials sent to landfills and waste-to-energy facilities directly release methane and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and food waste accounts for 6% of global emissions.

    • Compost Green Waste

      Consider using your grass clippings and green food waste to produce valuable compost for your yard or garden.

    • Buy Less

      Clothes and other consumable goods are often discarded after little use.  Reduce consumption by purchasing second-hand items, selecting new options with less packaging, sharing tools, or repairing broken items rather than throwing them away. Learn how to make smarter clothing choices through the Make Every Thread Count campaign.

      Marion County has compiled a wealth of information on composting, recycling, and tips to help with waste reduction through their Waste Less campaign.

    Food Choices

    • Eat a Plant-Based Diet

      The livestock industry is responsible for about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and cattle (both meat and dairy production) accounts for 65% of that.

    • Buy Local, In-Season Foods

    Fresh produce in the grocery store often travels a long way to arrive in Salem, so purchasing local foods that are in season (or growing your own!) eliminates significant transportation emissions. Get fresh produce from Salem’s local farmers markets or support local growers by becoming a Community Supported Agriculture subscriber.

    How about growing your own food? There may be a community garden near you where you could not only grow your own food but learn from other gardeners too. Marion Polk Food Share Community Garden program can help you get started.

    Plant Trees!

    Trees capture and store greenhouse gases, help to provide shade that combats urban heat islands, provide habitat for birds and wildlife, and so much more. Learn more about how Trees Benefit Our Community and how you can get involved with planting events in your neighborhood.

    Learn About Other Ways to Help Protect our Environment and Climate here in Salem.