North Georgia Conservation Coalition ● Checklist for Saving Energy and Reducing Carbon Emissions
✓ | Action with Direct Impact | Cost |
Install LED lights (bulbs and/or fixtures). | Depends on quantity | |
Minimize use of fireplaces, wood and pellet stoves; close dampers when not in use. | None | |
Unplug unused electronics to minimize standby power consumption. | None | |
Wash clothes in cold water when possible; hang clothes to dry when possible. | None | |
Check lights, appliances, and thermostats every morning, night, and anytime you leave your home. | None | |
Change air filter, reverse ceiling fans, change furnace filters. | Little to no cost | |
Add insulation and weather-stripping for doors, windows, attic and attic door. | Depends on need | |
Reduce water heating and space heating/cooling by using low-flow shower and faucet heads, energy star heaters, and energy star water heaters. | Depends on what you have and what you decide to buy | |
Install and program a programmable thermostat. | Minimal | |
Buy Certified Energy Efficient appliances and equipment. | Depends on need | |
Schedule a home energy audit either with an electric company or a private business. | $0 - $450 | |
Install solar panels. | $1,000 - $20,000 | |
✓ | Action with Indirect Impact (Lowers Carbon Emissions) | Cost |
Buy from local farmers and markets; eat at green restaurants; eat organic, plant-based, unprocessed food; minimize food waste; use septic friendly garbage disposals. | Same as alternatives | |
Use reusable bags; reduce use of plastic products; ask grocery stores, restaurants, and other businesses to reduce plastic use. | Low initial cost | |
Minimize purchases of heavily packaged products. | None | |
Donate unused items, including children’s toys, to thrift stores. | None | |
Recycle: See brochure from Keep Dawson County Beautiful on recycling. | None | |
Reduce water usage; use rain barrels or cisterns; water lawns less. | Low to no cost | |
Check on buying solar offsets for electricity. (Sawnee, Amicalola, and Georgia Power) | Low cost | |
Help preserve and protect our National and State Forest lands in North Georgia. Forests store carbon and naturally offset carbon emissions. (Georgia Forest Watch www.gafw.org) | None | |
Choose low energy-consumption activities (ie. hiking, kayaking, walking, outdoor games). | None | |
Drive less; combine trips; carpool. | Saves money | |
When you travel, choose green hotels; encourage other hotels to use green practices. | Same as alternatives | |
Fly less and, when you do, purchase carbon offsets. | Minimal - check with airline | |
Buy an electric, hybrid electric, or hybrid car. | $25,000 - $100,000 + |
Connect with North Georgia Conservation Coalition!
Email: ngcc2035@gmail.com Facebook: @NGAConservationCoalition