Ten Steps You Can Take Now to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

1. Improve your home’s energy efficiency by sealing cracks; adding insulation to attics,
   walls, ducts, and water heaters; and using a programmable thermostat. Set your
   thermostat at 68° in the winter (adjusting it to go down by 10° at night or when you are
   away) and if you have air conditioning to 78° in the summer (turning it off when you are
   away).
2. Drive less when you can by taking public transportation, walking, bicycling,
   carpooling, and grouping your errands. Consider alternatives to flying when possible.
   When you use your car, drive more slowly (60 m.p.h. or less), accelerate moderately, and
   don’t idle.
3. When buying your next vehicle, choose one that is more fuel efficient.
4. When buying appliances, look for the Energy Star label; Belmont Municipal Light
   Department offers rebates for many Energy Star purchases.
5. Turn off unused lights and appliances. Set back your hot water heater’s thermostat to
   120° (or on Low). Wash your clothes in cold or warm water; rinse in cold water.
6. Replace incandescent and halogen light bulbs with energy-saving CFL or LED bulbs.
7. Invest in renewable energy such as Belmont Municipal Light Department’s
   Renewable Energy Certificates Green Choice option.
8. Reduce waste by reusing, recycling, and choosing durable items with minimal
   packaging. Remember to bring reusable bags to the store; try keeping them by your back
   door or in your car. Compost your kitchen and garden waste and send yard waste to the
   town for composting.
9. Shop wisely for local foods and products and support local agriculture. Reduce
   consumption of meat. Support climate-friendly products and services, such as wood
   harvested from forests managed sustainably.
10. Talk about what you are doing to address climate change. Share your new actions
    and information with your family and friends and others in the community.

For more information, contact Sustainable Belmont at www.sustainablebelmont.net