Eco Resolutions - Help yourself and the Environment in 2011
This New Year, why not consider some new resolutions which are good for you and good for the environment.
The Evanston Climate Action Plan outlines over 200 strategies that the City is working on to reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions. You can help support this plan in 2011 with some Eco Resolutions of your own. The Office of Sustainability has created a quick reference of actions that Evanston residents and businesses can implement to help support the Climate Action Plan in 2011.
Transportation
Resolve to use your car less. One day a month or week, take public transportation or ride your bike in stead of driving your car. The Chicago Regional Transportation Authority can link you up to convenient transportation on the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and rail system, Metra commuter rail, and Pace suburban bus service, all on one website.
Waste Reduction & Recycling
Resolve to reduce waste. “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” are the three ‘R’s’ of recycling and often the first ‘R’ gets least attention. This New Year help reduce the load we send to landfills and to recycling plants by cutting down on the waste in the first place. Make a commitment to reducing the amount of paper you print at home and at the office. Use smart phones or laptops to view documents such as directions, shopping lists, and other materials. Bring your own bags to the grocery store and your own travel coffee mug to the coffee shop. Periodically visit the City’s Recycling Page on our website to get up to date information on how you can help Evanston recycle.
Energy Efficiency
Resolve to reduce your energy use. Reduce your home energy usage by signing up for the Citizens Utility Board CUB Energy Saver Program. The CUB Energy Saver Website allows ComEd customers to link up their account and create a personalized energy savings plan. Commit to review and implement Energy Efficiency Tips for both the winter and summer month. Saving energy saves you money and makes sense for the environment.
Renewable Energy
Resolve to be informed about renewable energy technologies and avenues to support renewable energy. The U.S. Department of Energy funds research, development, and deployment projects to advance the use and adoption of clean, renewable energy technologies. Their website has a lot of good information on a wide variety of renewable energy technologies and is a great place to start your research.
Land & Water
Resolve to use water more efficiently. As an EPA WaterSense Partner, the City of Evanston encourages residents and businesses to use water efficiently and help protect our precious water supply. Commit to replacing an old faucet, shower head or toilet this year and use the WaterSense calculator to see how much water AND money you can save.
Food Production & Recycling
Resolve to eating locally grown food. Food can travel up to 5,000 miles before reaching an end user, generating greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation process. Eating locally grown foods will help to reduce the carbon footprint of the food AND also help support regional and local growers. This year commit to buying more food at farmers markets. Did you know that the City of Evanston has 3 farmer’s market locations throughout the City? Check them out starting in May of 2011.