Reducing emissions

We're expecting our governments to solve the climate crisis, but there are a lot of things we could be doing as consumers that, although small in scope, adds up when we all do at least a few of these things.

• Finding ways to use less hot water. Shorter showers, fewer baths, waiting for full loads before doing any kind of wash, using more cold water washes.
• Keeping furnaces in good order.
• Building better insulated homes and businesses. It doesn't cost much to build passiv haus grade homes, but we don't even have to be that good. Just better R-value in our walls, basement floors, windows and attics could make a huge difference at minimal cost.
  
  
  
• Electric vehicles, even taking the electricity source into account, create far less noxious fumes and carbon footprint than pretty much every ICE vehicle.
• White or light coloured roofs to cut down on AC needs in summer. Same with pavement to cut down on the urban heat furnace.
• Fewer trips to the store.
• Fewer trips by car.
• More use of transit. But also better transit period.
• Better ride share infrastructure and habits so we don't need to own giant trucks when we only use them to their full potential a few times a year.
• Reduce or even eliminate vehicle idling.
• Buy local to eliminate the transportation costs (in every way).
• Eat less red meat. (The carbon footprint of one cheeseburger is the same as 6 orders of fish & chips or 9 falafels)(A 75% reduction in meat and dairy consumption would be the same as eliminating ALL transportation emissions).
• Take fewer business flights.
• Shut off lights in unoccupied rooms.
• Work from home.
• Reduce plastics use, or at the very least, stop using single use or few use plastics.
• Share tools. Not every house needs to own every tool. Same goes for lawnmowers and snow blowers.
• Plant more trees. Not just in your yard, but in all unoccupied spaces, especially where people like to enjoy the outdoors. Besides, everyone likes shade.
• Community gardens.