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How Will You Make a Difference?
There are many ways to make a difference in our fight against climate change—from using photovoltaic technology to tap the 170,000 trillionwatt power source known as the sun, to conservation tactics like switching to energy-efficient lighting and appliances, or changing personal habits so that you limit your personal waste and consumption.
Even if you can't install solar panels, there are many other ways to reduce your energy consumption and impact, commonly referred to as your carbon footprint.
Green Utilities
Make a green choice on your electric bill. Many providers offer options for purchasing electricity from renewable sources.
- National Grid customers – Mass Energy’s New England GreenStart
- NSTAR customers – NSTAR Green
- Cape Light Compact customers – Cape Light Compact Green for residents of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard
- Other municipal electric utilities – Many local electricity providers have or are considering green power options for their customers. Please contact your local provider for more information.
For a list of towns and their electricity providers, and for more info about green utilities, visit Renewable Energy Trust
If your local utility does not offer a green electricity option, you can still support renewable energy by purchasing renewable energy certificates (REC). The US Department of Energy has compiled a comprehensive list of options for purchasing renewable energy certificates: National Retail REC Products
Switch Lightbulbs
Change to energy-efficient, compact, fluorescent lightbulbs, which use 75 percent less energy than normal incandescent bulbs.
Buy Energy Star
Look for appliances that have earned an Energy Star rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. These appliances reduce greenhouse gas emissions-and your energy bills.
Build Green
Incorporate green design features into your home. If you're building a new house or remodeling your current home, install features such as skylights and south-facing windows that capitalize on natural light, or add extra insulation to your walls, which increases the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
Take Action
Advocate for clean energy. Write letters to government officials, get involved with environmental organizations, and use your vote to support clean energy.
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