Michigan

Great Lakes, Great Michigan: Easy Ways You Can Fight Climate Change!

In Your Home
  • Replace often used light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (save $90 and 700 lbs of CO2 a year).
  • Use appliances that are energy efficient; look for the Energy Star mark (save 30% on utilities).
  • Take advantage of local recycling and reduce your garbage by 25% (save 1,000 lbs of CO2 a year).
  • Wash laundry in cold water (save 500 lbs of CO2 a year).
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows (save 1,700 lbs of CO2 a year).
  • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
  • Set thermostat 2 degrees lower in winter and 2 degrees higher in summer (save 2,000 lbs of CO2 a year).
  • Use low-flow showerheads (save 350 lbs of CO2 a year).
  • Get a report card from your utility company to see where your home is lacking in efficiency.
In Your Yard
  • Plant a tree (save 1,000 lbs of CO2 in the tree's lifetime and produce oxygen).
  • Start a compost pile to reduce your trash at the curb.
  • Plant a veggie garden or small herb garden, and use your compost as fertilizer!
In Your Car
  • Drive a car that gets 32 miles/gallon (save 5,600 lbs of CO2 a year).
  • Inflate tires properly and get routine tune-ups (boost gas mileage 4%-40%).
  • Ride your bike to school or work (exercise, save money and CO2).
  • Explore the mass transit system in your area (save money and CO2).
  • Live close to work to reduce your commute (save time, money and CO2).
Take Action
  • Write letters to your lawmakers: Senators and Representatives make the decisions, so urge yours to raise fuel economy standards and expand renewable energy.
    Pen iconTake Action: Ask your legislators in Lansing to close the legal loophole that takes control of the Great Lakes waters away from Michigan.
  • Share your knowledge: Tell your family and friends about the tips you've learned. Word-of-mouth is the best way to spread information!
  • Attend local, state or national climate change events: Spread awareness to support the movement.