Ideas

Local government level:

-work with the town to form a composting program for residents and local food businesses/restaurants

-conduct energy audits of the town to ensure that usage is as efficient as possible

-consider passing ordinances to curb the negative affects of light pollution and superfluous energy usage of leaving lights on perpetually

-have the town urge green building methods in future development projects; implement such measures into law

Local business level:

-encourage the use of green products-urge nuanced, provident consideration of pollution and waste issues

-have recycling as well as trash bins available for customers (and easily available for business owners)-develop a “Green Seal of Approval” and a set of standards that could be awarded to businesses that are particularly environmentally engaged

Residential/individual level:

-practice water conservation by using rain barrels

-compost household organic waste

-switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs

-walk/bike more; ration/combine car trips

-plant vegetable gardens to grow some of your own food (saves money, is more healthy, easier than shopping!)

-consider the benefits of renewable energy usage. Solar hot water systems are the easiest and most heavily incentivized: typical payback is 3-5 years (and your hot water heater accounts for 20% or more of your electricity bill/usage). If you can't afford to install your own renewable system(s) at this time, consider buying green power through "renewable energy certificates," also known as "green tags" (see "Buy Green Power" under our links page)

-consider changing your buying/eat habits to include more locally-produced and organic foods. You might even consider being vegetarian - did you know that being a vegetarian saves more carbon emissions that buying a Prius hybrid car? See this article, "Vegetarian is the new Prius" for more info.

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