Energy Watch:

Using energy more efficiently and moving to renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and bioenergy) would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases.

The United States currently produces 70 percent of its electricity from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, but only two percent from renewable sources. Since the burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide—the leading cause of global warming—but renewable energy does not, increasing the share of our electricity generated from renewable resources is one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming emissions.

Cars and trucks are another significant source (25 percent) of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. A serious effort to address global warming must therefore reduce emissions from cars and trucks. Many technologies already exist that can do this, while also creating new jobs in the U.S. automotive sector and other industries throughout the country. In addition, American consumers would save billions of dollars on gasoline, and we would reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

By putting energy efficiency, renewable energy, and vehicle technology solutions in place at the federal level, we can reduce our contribution to global warming while creating a stronger, healthier, and more secure nation. (more)

Waste management

Outdoor-gear label Patagonia is collecting used clothing (regardless of brand) made from Polartec and Capilene to melt and make into new fabric and clothes. (Some of that fleece is especially virtuous, starting out as fabric made from recycled plastic.) The company estimates that making polyester fiber out of recycled garments, compared with using new polyester, will result in a 76% energy savings and reduce greenhouse gases 71%. To shear your own fleece, visit (more)

Deforestation

An acre of forest is cut every second world wide. Every continent is being deforested except for Antarctica.

In Europe the forest were cut back so long ago that scientists that look at paintings to see what kind of trees grew there. Only 1/5 of the world's frontier forests remain intact. (more)

Calculate Your
Carbon Footprint
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Learn about your watershed. Start by using the Watershed Information Network (WIN) to find your watershed address and learn about its environmental health. Other useful sites include Surf Your Watershed, Envirofacts and Enviromapper. Also be sure to check out EPA's Wetlands web page to learn about the importance of wetlands.

Home Lighting
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Check out the benefits of switching to compact fluorescent bulbs:
- Save up to $50 or more in energy costs over the life of one bulb
- Last up to 10 times longer
- Use up to 75 percent less energy
- Offer the same warm, bright light as standard bulbs
- Help to preserve our natural resources
LEARN MORE

Find out about our precious coastal and marine resources by reading the Coastal Watershed Fact Sheets. Learn about our pressure on ocean resources and find out 25 things you can do to help save coral reefs.

How can you help make a difference by using clean energy supply?

The Power Profiler is a tool developed by EPA to help users determine the specific air emissions impacts associated with their home or business's electricity use.

Visit the Green Power Locator to find out how you can purchase green power for your home and business.

Use the Is My Facility a Good Candidate for CHP? tool to find out if your business may be a good candidate for combined heat and power.