Climate change may be defining us - but we are also defining climate change. Every light switch we flick, every policy we vote for, and every constructive word that we say is shaping how we deal and cope with each other, and ultimately, climate change.
So let it define us. And let it make history. But let’s make it a happy ending.
Here are five ways you can Act Locally to combat climate change: from planting trees to changing light bulbs.
San Francisco Conservation Corps Give something back to the community—work for the Conservation Corps. The Corps is a non-profit job and academic training organization serving young people ages 18-26. Corps members develop their job and academic skills, leadership abilities and environmental awareness by completing outreach, conservation and community service projects throughout the city. Very cool.
PlantSF Improve our air and the city landscape by adding some green. Volunteer with PlantSF to spruce up your neighborhood or other parts of SF. You can also propose tree-planting projects.
511 If you must drive in the Bay Area—share the ride. The 511 Regional Rideshare Program helps connect people looking for somebody to drive with. As part of the service, 511 shows cars with empty or available seats online and on the phone. You can help reduce greenhouse gases and who knows maybe make a new friend. Win! Win!
One Billion Bulbs Replace your regular incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. According to the Department of Energy, if every American home changed out just five high-use bulbs with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR, each family would save about $60 every year in energy costs. Together if we did this we’d save about $6.5 billion each year in energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from more than 8 million cars. Good deal. Track your light bulb changing ways at One Billion Bulbs.
Bay Area Green Business Program Shop only at "green" Bay Area businesses. To be certified "green," participants must be in compliance with all regulations and meet program standards for conserving resources, reducing pollution and minimizing waste. To find an official green business in your area check out the Bay Area Green Business Program. The power of the purse will force others to go green as well.
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