Join the people pledging to change the world.

Choose some actions to lower your CO2 emissions.

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Why CO2?
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Why CO2?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main greenhouse gas behind global warming. Using fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal sends lots of CO2 into the atmosphere, and this traps heat.

Our energy plants create CO2 when they power our houses and offices, and our cars and planes spit out carbon in tailpipe and jet emissions. So if we cut back on energy use, driving, and flying, we can limit how CO2 is changing our climate.

  • CFLs use about 75% less energy than standard bulbs. You'll save energy and reduce your power bill too.
  • CFLs use about 75% less energy than standard bulbs. You'll save energy and reduce your power bill too.
  • You won't really notice a couple degrees in temperature, but that does save energy. Put on a sweater if you're cold, or strip down if you're hot!
  • Make it easy to save energy and money by programming the thermostat to take care of the temperature for you.
  • Only 20% of pre-1980 homes are well insulated, and newer homes can be checked for temperature leaks.
  • Reduce your energy bill, plus get that clean, sunshiny feeling in your clothes!
  • Set your water heater thermostat no higher than 120F degrees.
  • On-demand or tankless water heaters can cost a little more to install, but they save money (and energy) in the long run.
  • Harness the power of the sun. You could get an on-demand heater as back-up for those cloudy days.
  • When you use less water, you heat less water, so you save energy.
  • Long, hot showers may seem nice, but not if the energy they burn heats up the planet too.
  • Save a tree, reduce waste, and who's going to notice the difference in a piece of paper?
  • Less emissions created to make the paper, less waste when you're done with the paper.
  • Aggressive drivers use 125 more gallons of gas than average drivers per year. Think how much money you'll save by chilling out on the road!
  • Gas mileage goes down when you drive over 60 mph. It's not just the law, you'll save gas and money.
  • Cars get better mileage when the tires are properly inflated. You can saving about a tank of gas per year!
  • Just shaving a few miles off your weekly total helps reduce your annual emissions.
  • Carpoolers get the fast lane in some areas, and taking the bus or train gives you time to read or listen to your iPod. Telecommuting lets you work in your PJs!
  • Better gas mileage saves you money at the pump and saves emissions out the tailpipe.
  • Old fridges are clunky energy sucks. Time for an upgrade!
  • Many of the new flat-screen TVs are Energy Star rated. Great reason to trade up!
  • New dishwashers can also save water while saving energy.
  • Flat-screen monitors tend to use less energy than older models, so replace and properly recycle any old clunkers.
  • New washers can conserve water while saving energy too.
  • Farms use more fossil fuels to raise and transport animals than plants. So try a baked potato or veggie burger for dinner!
  • Skip the bacon at breakfast, and you'll help reduce the amount of fossil fuels that farms need to raise and transport animals.
  • Metal and glass can easily be recycled into new cans and bottles. Some communities have curbside recycling, and most have recycling centers.
  • Metal can easily be recycled into new cans. Some communities have curbside recycling, and most have recycling centers.
  • Aluminum cans will be turned into new cans. If your community doesn't have curbside recycling, look for the nearest recycling center.
  • Bottles and jars can easily be recycled into ones. Some states even have bottle deposits, so you can make money recycling.
  • Jets create a lot of pollution, so take only essential flights. Business can usually be done over the phone, by email, or on video conferences.
  • Jets create huge amounts of pollution, so take only essential flights. Replace a business trip with a teleconference.
  • Jet pollution is on the rise, so think carefully before booking a flight. Purchase carbon offsets if you really have to fly.
  • The amount of CO2 you'll reduce varies, but you can cut the amount of fossil fuels needed to drive your veggies to the grocery store.
  • According to HGTV, 30% of the fossil fuel used on farms goes into the making of fertilizers. The amount of CO2 you'll reduce varies depending on what organics you buy, but every bit helps.
  • Most disposable cups end up in landfills, and manufacturing them creates pollution. Buy a wacky mug to cheer up your morning!
  • Sure, you can recycle plastic water bottles, but why not take the next step? Get a high-quality water bottle that lasts for years.
  • While it's hard to measure the CO2 savings, both plastic and paper shopping bags have a negative impact. Reusable bags are the green way to go.
  • Earth 911 found that a family of four can save $2,000 a year in the supermarket by choosing large sizes instead of individual serving sizes! Plus, you keep junk out of landfills.
  • The CO2 you save varies, but it adds up. And food looks classier on real china anyway!
  • Get hip, unique fashions while you reduce pollution from new clothing manufacturers.
  • Even in standby mode, electronics suck up some power. It adds up.
  • Even the most efficient CFL is wasteful if nobody's there to use it! Flick off that switch.
  • Even in standby mode, computers, printers, and peripherals use some power. It adds up.
  • Small loads use more energy and water, so wait until the laundry basket is full.
  • Most detergents work just a well in the cold cycle, plus you'll lower your water-heating costs.
  • Full loads are more efficient, and you'll save more energy by stopping the cycle to let the dishes dry naturally.
  • Showers use less hot water than baths, so you conserve energy.
  • Turn off the water while you lather up. Better yet, shower with a friend!
  • Save money and energy (the amount varies) by putting an insulating jacket or blanket around your water heater.
  • The CO2 you save varies, but your AC will run more efficiently and use less energy over the course of the year.
  • Double-pane windows keep more heat inside your home so you use less energy.
  • Most junk mail isn't printed on recycled paper, plus it ends up in landfills.
  • Feel the burn instead of burning fossil fuels.
  • Constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing are an energy burden. Replace sod with attractive alternatives like clover, strawberries, and grasses native to your area.
  • You could get 10% more mpg with a clean filter -- reducing emissions and saving bucks at the pump.
  • Don't pump pollution into the air while waiting to pick up a friend or child -- just turn off the car.
  • You can compensate for the energy you need to use by investing in carbon reduction programs.

The average American emits:

9.44

tons CO2/yr

Your pledge counts!

We can't calculate the carbon savings for some of these actions, but they make a difference in the long run.

My Action Plan

to Save the Planet

    This could save the world:

    0

    tons CO2/yr

    Get help starting your green plan and get your friends involved.

    Save your plan, to…

    • Be counted as the 79772th person helping the earth.
    • Get tips and resources for starting your plan.
    • Go green and be part of the solution!

    Sources: Carbon savings estimates, where applicable, are from Environmental Defense. More about our sources.

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    The following sources were provided by Environmental Defense to show how the actions you pledge to take can reduce carbon emissions.

    Statistics and Averages Used for All Calculations:

    The U.S. national average emissions rate is 0.668 short tons of CO2 per MWh (source PDF).

    The average price of electricity in 2006 was 10.4 cents/kWh (source; note that state prices, also available on this page, vary widely).

    Burning natural gas produces 116.38 pounds CO2 per 10^6 Btu (source).

    The average price of residential natural gas in 2006 was $13.76 per thousand cubic feet (source).

    Residential energy use: 4.0 tons/person. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's latest inventory of national greenhouse gas emissions (PDF source), CO2 emissions from residential energy use averaged 4.0 tons CO2 per person in 2005, assuming a U.S. population of 300 million Americans.

    Personal vehicle use: 3.8 tons/person. Also according to the EPA inventory, personal vehicle use accounted for 3.8 tons CO2 per person, assuming a U.S. population of 300 million Americans.

    Personal flying: 1. 64 tons/person. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics provides information on jet fuel consumed in 2005 (source).

    Total personal CO2 emissions: 9.44 tons/person.

    Specific Calculations:

    Switch 3 lights to compact fluorescent lights -- CFLs use approximately 75% less energy than incandescent lights. The emissions savings are based on the assumption that you are replacing 3, 75-watt bulbs that are operated 4 hours a day, 365 days a year.

    Replace a porch light with a CFL -- CFLs use approximately 75% less energy than incandescent lights. The emissions savings are based on the assumption that you are replacing one, 75-watt bulb that is operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

    Turn your thermostat down 2 degrees / AC up 2 degrees -- U.S. households consume 183 billion kWh for air conditioning (1,710 kWh/year per household). Approximately 57% of U.S. households use natural gas as the main fuel for space heating. About 30% use electricity. The remainder use fuel oil, kerosene or LPG and are not considered here.

    Households using electricity for space heating consume 3,524 kWh/year for space heating. Households using natural gas consume 55.4 million Btu/year for space heating. This means that households with electric heating use a total of 5,234 kWh/year for heating and cooling (3.5 tons CO2 emitted). Households with natural gas heating use 1,710 kWh/year for cooling and 55.4 million Btu/year for heating (total 4.4 tons CO2).

    Adjusting your thermostat 2 degrees (up in summer, down in winter) can save 4%.

    Programmable thermostat / AC -- U.S. households consume 183 billion kWh for air conditioning (1,710 kWh/year per household). Approximately 57% of U.S. households use natural gas as the main fuel for space heating. About 30% use electricity. The remainder use fuel oil, kerosene or LPG and are not considered here.

    Households using electricity for space heating consume 3,524 kWh/year for space heating. Households using natural gas consume 55.4 million Btu/year for space heating. This means that households with electric heating use a total of 5,234 kWh/year for heating and cooling (3.5 tons CO2 emitted). Households with natural gas heating use 1,710 kWh/year for cooling and 55.4 million Btu/year for heating (total 4.4 tons CO2).

    Installing a programmable thermostat can save as much as 10%.

    Insulate your home -- U.S. households consume 183 billion kWh for air conditioning (1,710 kWh/year per household). Approximately 57% of U.S. households use natural gas as the main fuel for space heating. About 30% use electricity. The remainder use fuel oil, kerosene or LPG and are not considered here.

    Households using electricity for space heating consume 3,524 kWh/year for space heating. Households using natural gas consume 55.4 million Btu/year for space heating.

    This means that households with electric heating use a total of 5,234 kWh/year for heating and cooling (3.5 tons CO2 emitted). Households with natural gas heating use 1,710 kWh/year for cooling and 55.4 million Btu/year for heating (total 4.4 tons CO2).

    Installing insulation and sealing leaks can save as much as 10%.

    Air dry your clothes -- The U.S. uses 66 billion kWh per year to dry clothes. Air drying rather than machine drying laundry three months every year would save 25% of this energy.

    Note that some households have gas-heated dryers instead of electric machines. For the purposes of this estimate, CO2 savings is based on 107 million households.

    Set your water heater to 120°F -- Approximately 40% of U.S. households use electricity for water heating (PDF). Households with electric water heaters use 2,552 kWh/year for water heating (PDF).

    Approximately 54% of U.S. households use natural gas for water heating (PDF). The average U.S. household uses 19,000 cf natural gas per year (19.7 million Btu) (PDF).

    There is 3-5% energy savings for each 10 degrees decrease. The typical default setting on a water heater is 140 degrees. Environmental Defense assumes a conservative savings of 3% per 10 degrees -- thus 6% savings for a 20 degree decrease.

    Energy Star refrigerator -- Energy Star refrigerators use, on average, 40% less energy than traditional models. The average American household uses 1,462 kWh per year on refrigeration.

    Energy Star TV -- Energy Star televisions use 30% less energy than traditional models. The average American household consumes 308 kWh per year for TV use (with 107 million households).

    Energy Star dishwasher -- Energy Star dishwashers use about 41% less energy than traditional models. Dishwashers in the average American household use approximately 271 kWh per year (with 107 million households).

    Energy Star computer, monitor, and printer -- Energy Star computers, monitors, and printers use about 75%, 85%, and 60% less energy, respectively, than traditional models. The average American household uses about 215 kWh per year on computer use (with 107 million households). For this calculation, Environmental Defense assumes energy savings of 75% for replacing all three appliances.

    Energy Star clothes washer -- Energy Star washing machines use, on average, 50% less energy than traditional models. The average household consumes 93 kWh per year to run a washing machine (with 107 million households).

    On-demand "tankless" water heater -- Approximately 54% of U.S. households use natural gas for water heating (PDF). These households consume 19,000 cf natural gas per year (19.7 million Btu) for water heating (PDF).

    Replacing a standard tank natural gas water heater with on-demand heating can save up to 30%.

    Solar water heater -- Approximately 40% of U.S. households use electricity for water heating (PDF). Households with electric water heaters use 2,552 kWh/year for water heating (PDF).

    Approximately 54% of U.S. households use natural gas for water heating (PDF). The average U.S. household uses 19,000 cf natural gas per year (19.7 million Btu) (PDF).

    Low-flow faucets -- Approximately 40% of U.S. households use electricity for water heating (PDF). Households with electric water heaters use 2,552 kWh/year for water heating (PDF).

    Approximately 54% of U.S. households use natural gas for water heating (PDF). The average U.S. household uses 19,000 cf natural gas per year (19.7 million Btu) (PDF).

    Old faucets have flow rates of 3-7 gallons/minute (gpm) (PDF). For the purposes of this estimate, Environmental Defense uses 4 gpm for old faucets and showerheads. Aerated faucets can have flow rates as low as 0.5 gpm in bathroom sinks and up to 2.2 gpm in kitchen sinks. For the purposes of this estimate, Environmental Defense uses 2 gpm overall for aerated faucets (no data are available on the percentage of faucet use in the kitchen vs. the bathroom).

    According to Koomey et. al. (1994) (PDF), the average U.S. household uses 59.5 gallons of hot water per day, of which 4.6 are used for faucet flow (i.e., 7.7% of all hot water). Replacing old faucets with efficient ones cuts this hot water use in half. Environmental Defense assumes that the percentage savings on energy use is the same as savings from reducing hot water consumption.

    Low-flow showerheads -- Approximately 40% of U.S. households use electricity for water heating (PDF). Households with electric water heaters use 2,552 kWh/year for water heating (PDF).

    Approximately 54% of U.S. households use natural gas for water heating (PDF). The average U.S. household uses 19,000 cf natural gas per year (19.7 million Btu) (PDF).

    Old showerheads can have flow rates between 5 and 8 gpm. For the purposes of this estimate, Environmental Defense uses 5 gpm as flow rate for standard showerhead. Low-flow showerheads use 2.5 gpm.

    According to Koomey et. al. (1994) (PDF), the average U.S. household uses 59.5 gallons of hot water per day, of which 26 are used for showering (i.e., 43.7% of all hot water). Replacing old showerheads with efficient ones cuts this hot water use in half. Environmental Defense assumes that the percentage savings on energy use is the same as savings from reducing hot water consumption.

    Eat meatless -- The CO2 savings calculations are based on G Eshel and PA Martin, .Diet, energy, and global warming,. Earth Interactions 10, Paper No. 9 (2006): 1-17.

    All emissions savings are relative to an .average American diet. (according to data from the UN, 3,774 calories of food are produced per American per day, with 27.7% calories from animal-based products, of which 54% are meats, 41% dairy and 5% eggs). In this diet Americans eat, on average, 199 calories per day from chicken, 209 from pork and 119 from beef.

    The .one meal with no meat. diet assumes that every American eats 350 fewer calories from meat each week (this is about one-third the average daily meat intake, or one meal.s worth of meat). For the .one meal with no meat. and .one day with no meat., avoided calories from assorted meats are in the same proportions as they are consumed in the mean American diet. In all diets, dairy and egg intake remains unchanged and calories from meat are replaced with calories from plant-based foods. The emissions savings from these dietary choices are calculated assuming that the meat not consumed by Americans is also not consumed by others outside the U.S., and thus results in a decrease in overall meat production. To the extent that American consumption were replaced by foreign consumption, the overall GHG emission reductions estimated here would be smaller on a global scale.

    CO2 emissions are based on previously published values of the amount of fossil fuel used (and thus the amount of CO2 emitted) to produce different types of foods. Non-CO2 emissions (given as .CO2 equivalents.) from animal-based foods (eggs, dairy, and various meats) are based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy. Only methane and nitrous oxide from animal digestion and manure management are considered. The calculation assumes there are no non-CO2 emissions from crop production.

    Recycled paper -- For this calculation, Environmental Defense assumes that 500 sheets of paper weigh approximately 5 pounds. Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Defense Paper Calculator.

    Recycle steel ("tin") cans -- The average U.S. household uses 90 lbs of steel cans each year. Recycling this saves 144 kWh.

    Recycle aluminum cans -- Recycling one aluminum can saves 0.35 kWh. Americans use 200 million aluminum cans per day.

    Recycle glass bottles -- Recycling one glass bottle saves 0.4 kWh. The average U.S. household uses about 383 containers per year.

    Drive less aggressively -- EPA's latest regulation on fuel economy labeling (PDF) suggests that highway and city driving is a 57/43 split; assuming that potential fuel economy improvement is half of the maximum improvement suggested in the fueleconomy.gov, Environmental Defense estimates that potential fuel economy improvement is 10.5 percent. The emissions savings are based on a vehicle with a fuel economy of 19.6 mpg being driven 11,900 miles a year and emitting 25.3371 pounds of CO2 per gallon of gasoline consumed. Cost savings based on an average price of motor gasoline (all grade) in 2006 of $2.33, including taxes (Energy Information Administration, March 2007 Monthly Energy Review, Table 9.4, accessed on March 27, 2007).

    Drive the speed limit -- Reducing speed from 70 mph to 65 mph results in a 9% improvement in fuel efficiency (XLS). Cost savings based on an average price of motor gasoline (all grade) in 2006 of $2.33, including taxes (Energy Information Administration, March 2007 Monthly Energy Review, Table 9.4, accessed on March 27, 2007).

    Keep your car tires inflated -- Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. The emissions savings are based on a 3.3% increase in fuel efficiency. Cost savings based on an average price of motor gasoline (all grade) in 2006 of $2.33, including taxes (Energy Information Administration, March 2007 Monthly Energy Review, Table 9.4, accessed on March 27, 2007).

    Drive 10 miles less -- Driving 10 miles less each week, or 520 miles less each year would reduce the average miles driven from 11,900 to 11,320. The emissions savings are calculated assuming the vehicle has a fuel economy of 19.6 mpg and emits 25.3371 pounds of CO2 per gallon of gasoline consumed. Cost savings based on an average price of motor gasoline (all grade) in 2006 of $2.33, including taxes (Energy Information Administration, March 2007 Monthly Energy Review, Table 9.4, accessed on March 27, 2007).

    Carpool or take public transit to work -- The average commute in the U.S. is 30 miles. Assuming the reduction occurs for 50 weeks, annual driving would drop from 11,900 to 10,400. The emissions savings are calculated assuming the vehicle has a fuel economy of 19.6 mpg and emits 25.3371 pounds of CO2 per gallon of gasoline consumed. Cost savings based on an average price of motor gasoline (all grade) in 2006 of $2.33, including taxes (Energy Information Administration, March 2007 Monthly Energy Review, Table 9.4, accessed on March 27, 2007).

    Buy a hybrid or car that's 10% more efficient -- To calculate savings, Environmental Defense assumes you are replacing a vehicle that has a fuel economy of 19.6 mpg (the average U.S. car) with one that gets 21.56 mpg. Environmental Defense also assumes that you drive 11,900 miles each year and emit 25.3371 pounds of CO2 per gallon of gasoline consumed. Cost savings based on an average price of motor gasoline (all grade) in 2006 of $2.33, including taxes (Energy Information Administration, March 2007 Monthly Energy Review, Table 9.4, accessed on March 27, 2007).

    Fly less -- A domestic flight originating in the U.S. averages approximately 42 passenger-miles per gallon and international flights average 21 passenger-miles per gallon, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

    Burning a gallon of jet fuel produces 21.1 lbs of CO2 (U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Information Administration, Instructions for Form EIA 1605B, Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Appendix B). In addition, according to the Climate Neutral Network, non- CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from air travel are at least as significant as the CO2 impacts (doubling the emissions as expressed in CO2-equivalents) and upstream processes add an additional 8 percent. Based on this information, aviation was responsible for approximately 1.8 tons CO2-equivalents per person in 2005, assuming a U.S. population of 300 million Americans.

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