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are lots of actions individuals can take to address climate change.
Try some that are listed below. If you have other ideas to
share, contact us
or send us your success stories so we can share them with others. Download What Can I Do fact sheet to copy and hand out at events (please copy it double-sided).
CUT ENERGY USE AND COSTS AT HOME
CT offers many incentives for reducing energy use at home through the CT Energy Efficiency Fund. The following energy efficient products are permanently sales tax exempt in Connecticut. Click here for more info and a complete list of sales tax exempt home weatherization products.
- Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL) - info on proper handling and recycling of CFLs
- Energy Star Natural Gas Furnaces
- Programmable Thermostats
- Boilers that are > 84% efficient
- Energy Star Propane Furnaces
- Oil Furnaces that are > 84% efficient
- Energy Star Windows and Doors
- Efficient Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Water Heaters
- Caulking, Insulation, Window Film, Weather Strips, etc.
Until July 1, 2017, CT residents qualify for a $500 rebate by purchasing and installing replacement Energy Star natural gas furnaces or boilers and propane or oil furnaces and boilers that are > 84% efficient.
CL&P and UI customers are eligible for a free energy audit and weather sealing if you heat your home with electricity or natural gas. Energy audits are also available for a fee to homes that heat with other fuels Click here for info on energy audits for CL&P customers and click here for info on energy audits for UI customers.
www.ctsavesenergy.org and 877-WISE-USE provide additional information on energy efficiency incentives, including federal tax credits for energy efficient home improvements and incentives for efficient new home construction. Click here for additional info.
SUPPORT CLEAN ENERGY
Customers of CT Light & Power and United Illuminating can choose to support clean energy from wind power, small-scale hydroelectric power, and landfill gas. Choose clean energy and you'll be taking a big step towards cleaner air and healthier communities.
You can also encourage your town, business, faith community, and others to support 20% clean energy by 2010. Towns participating in CT Clean Energy Communities can earn solar panels.
CLEAN UP YOUR COMMUTE
About 40% of Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. Try some cleaner options:
BUY LOCALLY GROWN FOOD
Buy food that is grown locally to support Connecticut's farmers and reduce food packaging and transportation emissions. You can buy locally grown food at many CT farms and farmers' markets. Find out what's in season and where to buy it and lots more about buying local foods at the BuyCTGrown website.
Schools can also buy local produce directly from farmers through the Farm-to-School program
RECYCLE
Recycling reuses resources, saves energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Contact your town public works department or DEP to find out how you can recycle more, compost and prevent waste.
REDUCE SYNTHETIC FERTILIZER USE
A portion of nitrogen applied to soils is released as a greenhouse gas. Reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers also improves water quality and soil health. Adopt some tips from organic land care guidelines or use a certified organic landcare professional.
BUY AN ENERGY EFFICIENT VEHICLE
Hybrid cars rated at 40 miles/gallon or greater are exempt from CT sales tax until October 1, 2008. From January 1, 2008 – July 1, 2010, any passenger car with an EPA rating of at least 40 mpg will be sales tax exempt in CT. There are also federal income tax credits of up to $3,400 for hybrid vehicles.
Before you buy your next car, do some research on “greener” cars. You'll save money on gas and contribute to cleaner air.
INSTALL CLEAN ENERGY AT YOUR HOME
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund provides incentives for the installation of solar and other clean energy sources on residences. In addition solar thermal (including passive solar) and hot water systems, and geothermal systems are sales and property tax exempt in CT.
SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES, BE RECOGNIZED
Tell us what you have done to address climate change, submit a nomination for a Climate Change Leadership Award.
ENCOURAGE YOUR TOWN, BUSINESS OR FAITH
COMMUNITY TO TAKE ACTION
CT Interreligious Eco-Justice Network
CT Clean Energy Communities
CT Cities and Towns Act on Climate Change
CALCULATE YOUR "CARBON FOOTPRINT"
Your carbon footprint is way to measure your individual contribution to global warming. It calculates the total amount of greenhouse gases you generate based on your lifestyle and choices (measured in units of carbon dioxide). Use the Safe Climate Carbon Calculator to determine your carbon footprint and get some tips on how to reduce it.
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