Turn down the heat.
You can reduce the energy needed to heat your home up to 20% simply by turning the thermostat down 10°F - 15° when you are asleep or out of the house. The most effective and convenient way to save energy this way is to install a programmable thermostat. When used properly, programmable thermostats can save you about $150 per year.
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Cool Links
Carbon Calculators
- Zerofootprint Seattle – Figure out your carbon footprint, develop your own climate action plan and join with others in the community.
- Earthlab – Create your own Earth Conservation Plan and make pledges to reduce your carbon dioxide output and track your improvements.
Climate Change Information
News:
General Background Information:
Local Information:
- City of Bellingham - The Bellingham City Council recently established the City of Bellingham as a nationwide leader in the support of renewable energy with a unanimous decision to “green” 100% of the electricity used in city operations. Check out this website to learn more about the actions that are being taken in our community a more sustainable place.
- Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) - NWCAA is one of seven regional air quality control agencies located throughout Washington State. It’s their job to see that people in our region have clean air to breathe. Visit the site and sign up to receive weekly climate change email tips, burn ban alerts, and NWCAA news.
- University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG) - The CIG's research focuses on four key sectors of the PNW environment: water resources, aquatic ecosystems, forests, and coasts.
- Washington State Department of Ecology - Get information about the regional effects of climate change, what you can do and what the state of Washington is doing.
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Education Resources
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Food Resources
- Bellingham Farmers Market - an open-air gathering place where fresh, local produce and fine crafts attract as many as 10,000 visitors each day.
- Body Ecology – An article on the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables in season.
- “Buy FRESH” Businesses (pdf) – A list of local businesses, organizations and institutions that have pledged to support local agricultural producers when possible. Put together buy Sustainable Connections.
- A Guide to Eating Seasonally – The basics on eating in season.
- A Seasonal Cornucopia - a tool that chefs, restaurateurs, home cooks and gardeners in the greater Puget Sound Region of the Pacific Northwest can use to easily identify when local foods are in season.
- GoVeg.com – While you may or may not agree with being a total vegetarian, this website has lots of reasons to at least eat less meat, starting with the environment and global warming.
- Whatcom Farm Map and Guide (pdf) – A detailed map of local farms as a well as a Seasonal Guide to buying local produce.
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Home Resources
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Home Energy Audits
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At-Home Renewable Energy Installation
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Government Resources
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Local Organizations and Efforts
- The Climate Project - Several members of the community have recently been trained and equipped to present the science of global warming. They are looking for venues and audiences. Contacts: Katie Fleming at katief@re-sources.org, Scott Slaba at slabas@comcast.net, and Ramona Abbott at ramona@essentiallyprofessional.com
- Climate Solutions - Climate Solutions is a not-for-profit organization that is working regionally to accelerate practical and profitable solutions to global warming by galvanizing leadership, growing investment and bridging divides.
- Conservation Northwest - A nonprofit working to protect old-growth forests and other wild areas in the Northwest.
- Friends of the Trees Society - Dedicated to doubling the world’s forests. Their mission is to inspire, enable, educate and assist people to live in harmony with forests and trees.
- Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association - Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association is dedicated to restoring wild salmon runs in Whatcom County, in part by restoration of habitat. Work crews and volunteers plant and maintain thousands of trees year-round.
- RE Sources for Sustainable Communities - By providing key information, trainings and workshops, and volunteer-led field programs, RE Sources helps community members actively safeguard our environment.
- Solar Washington - Solar Washington’s mission is to promote the development, and effective use, of solar and renewable energy and the related arts, sciences, and technologies with concern for the economic, environmental, and social fabric of Washington State through education. There is an active local chapter that can help you find clean energy solutions.
- Sustainable Bellingham - A nonprofit dedicated to participating in and promoting the co-creation of a sustainable community in the Bellingham bioregion.
- Sustainable Connections - This network of locally owned, independent businesses is helping promote sustainable business practices among their more than 600 members through programs such as Green Building, Food and Farming, Think Local, Zero Waste and more.
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Office Resources
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Shopping Resources
- better world shopper - dedicated to providing people with a comprehensive, up-to-date, reliable account of the social and environmental responsibility of every company on the planet AND making it available in practical forms that individuals can use in their everyday lives.
- Center for a New American Dream – A group formed with the mission to “help Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.”
- Chlorine Bleaches Out Life – Information on chlorine-free labeling and the dangers of chlorine.
- Co-op America: Responsible Shopper – An online database designed to “alert the public about the social and environmental impact of major corporations, and provides opportunities for consumers and investors to vote with their dollars for change.”
- The Green Guide – A buyer’s guide to help you find environmentally friendly products.
- Sustainable Connections’ Searchable Local Business Directory
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Transportation Resources
- Amtrak Cascades - Take the train next time you travel. Unless you have a hybrid, train travel is generally less polluting than flying or driving to your destination
- City of Bellingham’s bike and pedestrian maps – Includes route information and trails.
- Community Car Share - Car sharing is convenient and helps people drive less and use alternative and public transportation more. Most members get rid of at least one car, saving money and kicking the maintenance hassle. This local non-profit uses environmentally-conscious vehicles.
- Hub Community Bike Cooperative - Combines alternative transportation with reuse and recycling. The Hub offers self-service shop space for rent, high quality reconditioned bikes, professional full service tune-ups and repairs, and bicycle parts for sale. The Hub reaches out to the greater Bellingham community through a variety of education efforts and events.
- Flexcar - A for-profit car share company started in Seattle with cars all around the country.
- www.fueleconomy.gov – Part of the U.S. Department of Energy (EERE). Access to gas prices, fuel economy tips, energy impact scores for various cars, information on hybrids and tax incentives plus much more.
- RideShare Online -Provides you an easy way to find others in Washington who are interested in sharing their commute in a carpool or vanpool.
- Bellingham Craigslist – Rideshare postings.
- Smart Trips Whatcom County – Join thousands of other community members and log your “Smart Trips” - walking, bicycling, rideshare, or bus. You'll be entered to win valuable rewards and receive discounts at local businesses.
- The Real Costs of Car Ownership Calculator – The average American household spends 17% of their income on their car. How much do you spend?
- Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) – Whatcom County’s bus service.
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Travel Resources
Local:
National/International:
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Waste Resources
- Direct Mail – Registry to take you off national mailing lists and reduce unwanted junk mail.
- Green Earth Technology - The composting division of S&W Rock Products. This is the facility where SSC’s Food Plus waste is composted.
- Optoutprescreen – Registry to take you off national mailing lists and reduce unwanted junk mail.
- Sanitary Service Company - Whatcom County's largest, full-service recycling and waste collection company.
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