The consequences of climate change may look different across U.S. cities, depending on their latitude, proximity to large bodies of water, and other various factors.
In Texas, climate change can mean flooding, particularly in cities on the Gulf of Mexico. Global climate change may also cause an increase in hurricane and tornado activity, meaning there’s a lot at stake.
Although no one person can “solve” the climate change crisis, everyone can do their part. If you live in the state of Texas and are concerned about the looming consequences of climate change and natural resource depletion, here’s what you can do to make your carbon footprint smaller.
Cut Back on Water Consumption
There are many ways to cut back your water consumption. Slight changes like shorter showers, turning off the tap while you brush your teeth, and measuring the water you use for cooking can help the environment. These changes can also lower your water bill.
While they’ll create a higher cost upfront, you can also invest in water-efficient fixtures, like faucets and toilets. These fixtures allow you to use less water without making changes to your habits. Studies show that if one out of every 100 American homeowners retrofitted their homes, it could save up to 80,000 tons of pollution.
Invest in Energy-efficient Technology
There are many different energy-efficient appliances you can look into for your home or business that can help reduce emissions. When buying appliances, purchase ones with the Energy Star label to help you pick the most efficient refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, and small appliances.
While plugged in, even when unused, appliances can suck electricity. As such, be sure to unplug appliances you don’t use regularly and put others on power strips or timers.
You can also look into purchasing LED light bulbs. These bulbs are a bit more expensive, but they use about 80 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs. They also last longer, so you don’t have to replace them as often.
Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle can drastically reduce your personal car emissions. Even if you drive an energy-efficient model, make sure you keep up with vehicle maintenance. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to make sure your emissions are as low as possible.
Hook Up Your Space with Renewable Energy
If you own or operate a business, consider looking into clean power providers in Texas. Instead of using coal to generate electricity, these companies produce at least 50 percent of the power they distribute from renewable sources such as solar or wind.
Using renewable sources helps to keep energy costs low and reduces carbon emissions. When you use a company that gets its power primarily from renewable sources, you won’t notice a difference in your service. If you’re a business owner, it’s especially important to use renewable energy since businesses often use more electricity than families or individuals.
Weatherize Your Home or Business Place
Almost half of home energy use is the result of heating and air-conditioning, and the numbers can be similar for businesses. Making sure that your home or business is efficient when it comes to heating and cooling can help you save energy costs and emissions.
You can also get tax credits or government assistance when you weatherize your home or business. For example, ensuring that you seal your windows, doors, and vents properly will help your home run more smoothly because cold air won’t be slipping in the cracks while you’re trying to heat or cool your home.
Talk to Your Representatives
On the city, state, and national level, your representatives hold office to work for you. If you want to influence lasting change in policies, let your representative know that you want certain policies enacted. If you want better public transportation or bike routes to encourage people to use something other than cars to get around, you have to tell your representative.
Make sure you keep up with local elections as well. It’s great to vote in national elections, but the city and state officials are often the ones who can make changes closest to home.
Go Green to Save Green
It’s vital for the health of the planet, the economy, and everyone worldwide to leave as little impact as possible on the earth. One of the easiest ways to do so at the individual level is by using less energy, which will also save you money. You can take simple, inexpensive steps to save energy and preserve Texas’s natural resources and beauty.
