You Can Reduce Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions
And Save Money at the Same Time
The average American generates 19 tons of carbon dioxide a year. Carbon dioxide is the leading contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. If we want to have a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren, then how we act now matters.
Here are some actions for you to consider to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (that can also save money):
In Your Home
In Your Trash
- Bring broken household items to a Repair Cafe. Don't throw it out, get it fixed for free. See our calendar for dates.
- Recycle old batteries. Don't throw them out, recycle them. Here's how.
- Reduce the amount of garbage going into the trash stream. This reduces greeenhouse gases generated by landfills. Learn More
- Recycle old Air Conditioners and Refrigerators. These refrigerant used in these appliances is a very potent greenhouse gas. Improper disposal can release these gases into the atmosphere. Either bring them to one of our Repair Cafes or one of the regular Electronics waste events held by Dutchess County.
- Recycle E-waste. Electronic waste are any old computers, printers, cellphones, etc. These contain some hazardous elementsi like lead, mercury, and cadmium, and should not be put in the regular trash. To safely dispose of e-waste:
- Recycle old Clothes and Textiles.
You can always donate clothes in good shape to the SPCA thrift store or other local thrift stores. But when they've given their all, recycle them.
Clothes, fabrics, shoes, belts, etc. Use drop-off bins or schedule free home pickup. Read More.
- Recycle old Paint. You can bring old paint for recycling to almost any store that sells paint. Visit the Paintcare website to find locations.
- Anything Else — please follow the guidelines published by Dutchess County in their Recycling Encyclopedia.
In Your Life
- Use a bike or e-bike instead of a car, when possible. Great local bike programs.
- Save gas. Car pool, and shop locally, when possible. For every gallon of gas a car burns (in which a gallon is 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol), 18.9 pounds of carbon dioxide are released into the air.
- Drive a hybrid or battery electric car.
You can get up to a $2,000 New York State instant rebate.
Electric Cars are Better for the Planet – and Often Your Budget, too.
Guide to Available EVs.
All About EVs, Charging, and incentives.
Find Charging Stations Near You.
Electric Car Charging Guide.
Central Hudson Guide to Electric Vehicles.
- Avoid plastic packaging, and reduce your plastic use. Use reusable, non-plastic bags when shopping. Learn More
- Plant trees. If you own a home, plant trees on your property. Trees can help offset the buildup of carbon dioxide in the air and reduce the greenhouse effect. An acre of trees absorbs enough carbon dioxide in a year to equal the amount produced when you drive a car 26,000 miles. Learn More
- Report malfunctioning street lights.
Here's how to report to Central Hudson so they can fix it, or replace it with an energy-efficient LED.
While these individual actions seem small, we as citizens are collectively responsible for our share of greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, many of these suggestions will save you money on electricity, gasoline, or heating fuel.
