1. Be Energy Efficient
During the summer months, close your curtains to block heat from the sun. During the winter, open
your curtains during the day to allow the sun to warm your home. These simple steps can significantly reduce
the need for air conditioning and heating, which are likely the most energy intensive aspects of your home.
2. Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Understanding which activities are carbon intensive allows you to know where you can take action. The EPA
has a free carbon footprint calculator you can use.
3. Adjust The Thermostat
Turning down your air conditioning or heating when you leave the house will further shrink your carbon
footprint. A change of just five degrees is a good start.
4. Adjust Your Driving Routine
By combining multiple errands into one trip, you reduce the amount of fossil fuel (gas) you use.
5. Go Meatless On Fridays
Livestock production accounts for 4 percent of Americans’ greenhouse gas, according to the EPA. By going
meatless one day per week, you’ll both honor Catholic teaching and better care for creation.
6. Recycle More
Recycling reduces your carbon footprint both because landfills emit greenhouse gases through decomposition
and because manufacturing from scratch is carbon intensive. Find where and how to recycle almost anything
in your area earth911.com
7. Use Less Water
Water processing accounts for approximately 3 percent of energy use in the United States, according to the
EPA. Saving water means saving energy. Post a “please conserve water” sign at sinks and showers, install low
flow spigots, or select the “eco” setting on laundry machines and dishwashers.
8. Petition Policy Makers
Your elected officials have the power to take action on climate change. Write policy makers to tell them that
you stand for the stewardship of creation. Write to your local newspaper. A letter to the editor has effects
beyond your local community.Legislators assign their staffs to read letters to the editor as an important barometer of constituents’
interests. For tip sheets and templates, write to programs@catholicclimatecovenant.org
9. Form A Study Or Action Group At Church.
10. Consider Forming A Creation Care Team
Visit CatholicClimateCovenant.org for More