Earlier this year, Conservation Magazine published a short article called Change Does Begin At Home, which referenced some research from a team centered at Michigan State University. The key takeaway of the article was this:
The researchers found that, by taking 17 steps that would result in “little or no reduction in household well-being,” U.S. consumers could reduce the country’s greenhouse-gas emissions by more than seven percent.
If that doesn’t seem like much, consider that this is equivalent to the total emissions of France.
The 17 steps are shown below, a list that will look familiar to those who have taken our 10% Challenge. If you haven’t taken the Challenge, and want to help achieve that 7% greenhouse-gas reduction, click here to go to the 10% Challenge page. It takes very little time, and will help you make a positive impact!
Here are the 17 steps from the study:
- Weatherization
- HVAC equipment
- Low-flow showerheads
- Efficient water heater
- Appliances
- Low rolling resistance tires
- Fuel-efficient vehicle
- Change HVAC air filters
- Tune up AC
- Routine auto maintenance
- Laundry temperature
- Water heater temperature
- Standby electricity
- Thermostat setbacks
- Line drying
- Driving behavior
- Carpooling and trip-chaining
A full table of these steps, along with the carbon impact, is available on the National Academy of Sciences web site.
