Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
On April 22, 1970, over one million people filled the streets of New York City, and many more joined across the nation, to stand up for environmental protection. This movement led to important changes like the Clean Air and Water Acts and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In spring 2020, the world faced the early stages of a global health crisis alongside the ongoing climate crisis. During the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order, cities noticed cleaner air and water as a result of reduced activity!
Cutting carbon emissions helps protect public health by reducing respiratory issues. What’s good for human health is also good for our communities and the planet!
Even if we can’t always celebrate Earth Day with a big party, we can still commit to doing at least one thing each year to help restore and protect the earth. Check below for some great ideas!
Transportation
Vehicle emissions are the biggest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Washington. You can improve your health and reduce air pollution by walking, biking, or using public transportation! Visit the Sequim Bicycle Alliance page to learn more about cycling in Sequim.
Electric vehicles are becoming more common and affordable, thanks to state and federal rebates that lower the cost of new EVs. If you don’t need the 200 to 250-mile range of newer batteries, buying a used EV can be an even more budget-friendly option.
Pledge to bicycle, walk or ride transit 25 times before the end of 2025!
Pledge to test-drive an EV!
(From WA Dept. of Ecology website)
The energy used to heat, light, and power buildings is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Making buildings more energy-efficient is an important step toward sustainability.
Mattias Jarvegren, Energy Conservation Supervisor at PUD No. 1 of Clallam County, shares the top three things homeowners can do to save energy:
Fully insulate your home.
Use a heat pump for heating (ducted or ductless).
Upgrade your water heater to a heat pump water heater.
Mattias explains, "The reason these three are so important is that the biggest energy users in homes on the Peninsula are space heating and water heating. Insulation is key because, just like we wear warm clothes when it’s cold, our homes should also ‘wear’ warm clothes—insulation!"
If you have questions about saving energy in your home, you can contact the PUD’s Energy Conservation Department by phone at 360-452-9771 or by email: EnergyConservation@ClallamPud.net
Pledge to conserve energy by making home improvements each year to support sustainability!
Take small steps toward a more energy-efficient home while helping the environment.
If you’d like to get started, Clallam County PUD offers free energy-efficiency audits for your home. Contact them today using the phone number or email listed above!
Electric utilities in Washington must transition to carbon-neutrality by 2030. Clallam PUD buys electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration, with most of it coming from hydroelectric plants in central Washington. The Pacific Northwest is fortunate to rely less on fossil fuels for energy compared to other parts of the U.S.
However, individuals and organizations can still make a difference by installing solar panels or supporting other renewable energy projects. For more information, see resources provided by Clallam PUD or renewable energy programs in your area! https://clallampud.net/renewable-energy/ or contact PUD's Utility Service Department either by phone (360-452-9771) or email: utility.services.info@clallamPUD.net
Landfills produce 20% of the nation's methane emissions, so recycling and re-using are good ways to reduce your impact on the atmosphere.
Getting involved in environmental restoration projects can be one of the most rewarding and hands-on ways to make a difference for our planet. Whether it’s planting trees, restoring habitats, or cleaning up local waterways, these efforts contribute to a healthier environment and stronger community.
Check out this list of organizations below on the North Olympic Peninsula that offer volunteer opportunities in Clallam and Jefferson counties. Roll up your sleeves, get your feet wet, and join a project that helps protect and restore our beautiful natural surroundings!
: https://extension.wsu.edu/jefferson/environmental-volunteer-opportunities/