Drawdown! Action Plan
Home Energy
Overview
Home energy use accounts for around 34% of the total energy emissions in the US. By taking small actions like changing a lightbulb or educating our peers, student can help their family and friends drastically reduce their home energy.
Some Climate Facts:
- Home air conditioning accounts for almost 6 percent of all the electricity produced in the U.S. Together, home heating and cooling is responsible for roughly 441 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.
- Use cold water to wash clothes! 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water! Cold water loads can save the average household more than $30-$40 annually.
- An LED Light bulb uses 20-80% less energy than a normal lightbulb.
Videos
Youth Advocacy
Action |
Reason |
Resources |
1. Encourage family to change energy plan to all renewable. (PG&E has this option or switch to a local energy provider like Marin Clean Energy. MCE has light green and deep green (100%) renewable energy plans. ($). |
Changing energy plans to completely renewable will make a big difference! MCE reports that 16,900,000 gallons of water have been saved through their Energy Efficiency Program, along with eliminating 300,000 tons of GCG from 2010-2017, this is in addition to the 5,000 jobs in California support, and 345,000 dollars allocated for low income solar rebates. |
Marin Clean Energy offers 100% renewable energy to homes all over the bay area! This is their deep green program. They also have a light green option, which is a little less expensive but not 100% renewable. PG&E also has a green energy option. Can 100% Renewable Energy Save the World? |
2. Encourage other relatives to change energy plans to all renewable. (200 points per household you encourage.) |
See above. This action is huge! |
See above. |
3. Encourage family to replace all light bulbs with LED lights. ($) NOTE: Buy 1 sample to see if you like the quality first. |
Ask your parents to reduce their carbon footprint by replacing light bulbs with LED Light bulbs. LED Light bulbs have less of an environmental impact than normal light bulbs. |
|
4. Encourage family to get a clothesline. ($ but saves over time) |
Clotheslines are used to hang dry clothes after they are washed. Encourage your family to purchase a clothesline and hang dry your family's clothes! Not only does this save money over time, but hang drying helps clothes last longer over time. |
|
5. Encourage family to buy products that are locally made and made from renewable or low waste resources. (Cost variable) |
Buying locally made products not only reduces your carbon footprint, but can be a fun way to get to know people in your community! |
|
6. Encourage parents to Turn the Key, Be Idle Free by turning off their vehicle when idling for more than 30 seconds. (Saves $) |
Remind your parents to be idle free and get in the habit of recognizing when to turn off the vehicle for the future in which you will be driving! |
|
7. Next time my family needs a new car, I’ll encourage them to buy an electric car. ($$$) |
Encourage your family to opt for an electric car! Over time this switch will greatly reduce your carbon footprint, and eliminate money spent on gas. |
|
8. Encourage family to install solar panels. ($$$) |
Although solar panels can be expensive, solar panels make a large difference in your Carbon footprint, and can save money over time. |
Actions
9. Walk or bike to school (and other activities). I am willing to commit to ___ days/week. (Free)
10. Take public transportation. I am willing to commit to ___ days/week. ($)
Here is Marin Transits website: https://marintransit.org/
11. Carpool: I am willing to commit to __ days/week. I am also willing to carpool to activities and to help organize carpool rides.(Saves $)
12. Turn off devices when not in use; turn off phone before going to bed. (Saves $)
10. Take public transportation. I am willing to commit to ___ days/week. ($)
Here is Marin Transits website: https://marintransit.org/
11. Carpool: I am willing to commit to __ days/week. I am also willing to carpool to activities and to help organize carpool rides.(Saves $)
12. Turn off devices when not in use; turn off phone before going to bed. (Saves $)
