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How Do I Go Carbon Free? |
The heart of Carbon Free Homes is a Carbon Calculator that helps you figure out the current carbon output of your home and track the results of whatever steps you choose to take towards becoming carbon-free: from changing a few lightbulbs to altering your daily habits to eliminating your carbon footprint entirely by switching to clean energy — electricity produced by renewable sources like wind, solar or hydro power.
One: Get Ready…
The first step in taking action is to calculate your current energy use and carbon footprint. Next you'll be asked to make choices about changing your habits. So before you begin, we suggest...
- pulling out your latest electric and heating bills
- noting the 10 or 12 light bulbs in your house that get used most often
Two: Get Set…
Once you're prepared, click on the Get Started button and you'll go to our Carbon Calculator. You'll be asked a couple of questions about how many people live with you, your energy bills, how you heat your house, and how you heat your water.
Based on your answers, you'll get a readout of the carbon emissions generated by your home. (Note that you'll get full credit for steps you've already taken to reduce your emissions!)
Three: Get Savings…
Next, you'll be offered a list of simple steps that can reduce your energy use and save you money, from turning down the thermostat in the winter, to replacing your old light bulbs with CFLs, to washing laundry in cold water.
Based on which steps you and your family would like to take, we'll calculate your savings in carbon emissions — and on your utility bills.
And Four: Go Carbon Free!
The final step you can take, when you're ready, is to eliminate your home's carbon footprint entirely by switching to clean energy or buying Clean Energy Credits (also know as renewable energy certificates or RECs). You can opt to do this now, or you can come back to your saved information and do it later — it's entirely up to you.
Note that this final step requires an outlay of funds — but, chances are, less than you've already saved in step Three.
There are two options to eliminate or offset your home's carbon footprint — either way, your electricity service will not be interrupted, and you won't have to change from your current utility. They include switching to clean energy or purchasing clean energy credits (RECs).
Once you've completed the Carbon Free Homes process, you should feel proud to be doing your part to fight air pollution and global warming; lessen America's dependence on foreign oil and gas; and create a more sustainable energy future for Maine.
We encourage you to help spread the word about Carbon Free Homes by clicking on Forward to a Friend or Present to My Group.
Click here to get started making your home a Carbon Free Home!
