What Else Can I Do?

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In addition to ClimateSmart, there are many other things we can all do to help the environment. For instance, you can save money and reduce your impact by using energy more efficiently in your home and office. Here are a few things we can all do that make a difference:

• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs): They last up to 10 times longer and use two-thirds less energy.
• Use less hot water: Get a low-flow showerhead, wash your clothes in cold or warm water, and turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees. Water heating can account for 14 to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
• Replace old appliances: Updating to a new, ENERGY STAR®-labeled refrigerator, washer and furnace would eliminate over 1,300 pounds of CO₂ a year. Take advantage of Pacific Gas & Electric Company rebates and you'll save energy and money.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Buy less new stuff, with less packaging, and make sure you recycle all paper, metal, and glass, as well as recyclable plastics. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough electricity to watch three hours of TV. And don't forget to donate the things you no longer need, instead of just throwing them out.
• Unplug your electronic devices: Unplugging your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you're not using them will save thousands of pounds of CO₂ a year.
• Check your tires: Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve gas mileage—as does carrying as little as possible in your car's trunk. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps CO₂ out of the atmosphere.
• Weatherize your home or apartment: Apply weather-stripping and caulking around windows, doors, and outlets. Make sure both your attic and basement are properly insulated.
• Consider solar: Harness the power of the sun and power your home or business with clean, renewable energy.

The ClimateSmart program is being funded by PG&E customers in accordance with a decision of the California Public Utilities Commission. To make participating customers climate neutral, PG&E may enter into greenhouse gas emission reduction contracts where the reductions occur over time into the future.