Green Your Own World:
- Plant native grasses, trees, and shrubs that absorb carbon dioxide. Native plants support wildlife like migratory birds and pollinators. They require less water and upkeep since they evolved to thrive in local conditions. They can also reduce water use, pesticide use, and more.
Slow the spread of invasive species: remove , stop the spread, learn more about them, and support native wildlife.
- Plant a pollinator garden in your local community 鈥 even your yard, balcony, or windowsill. Pollinator gardens provide nectar and pollen for pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles and bees.
- Apply for and other renewable energy sources. Each state has its own set of policies and incentives that can help homeowners transition to solar energy. For current information on incentives, including incentive-specific contact information, visit the or contact your current energy provider to ask about renewable energy options available to you.
- Restore degraded land and remove invasive plants and weeds to support healthy, native habitats, such as grasslands, and conserve interconnected natural areas to help wildlife migrate. Landowners can voluntarily in various programs like the Service鈥檚 Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program or that provide benefits and support to improve and protect their natural environment while keeping working lands working.
- Homeowners and some renters can apply for , which includes credits for using renewable energy, installing ENERGY STAR certified products to conserve energy use and reduce your energy bills, and weatherizing your home by sealing drafts, replacing windows, and replacing insulation.
- When looking for a new vehicle, seek out models that are gas efficient, or 鈥 whenever feasible 鈥 select hybrid or electric vehicles.
Quick Everyday Actions
There are small things we can all do to reduce our environmental impact:
Reduce, reuse, recycle - rethink what you鈥檙e purchasing and why
Purchase recycled or upcycled products when possible
Use re-usable bags and water bottles
Turn off our electronics and HVAC systems when not in use
Be mindful of water use
Replace lightbulbs and older appliances with energy-efficient models (including smaller appliances like toasters and microwaves, not just stoves and refrigerators). Ask your local government, energy provider, or state government whether they have resources, rebate, or incentives. For instance, you might be eligible for a free or cheap energy audit that can save you energy and money!
Volunteer:
- Support a national wildlife refuge, national fish hatchery or other public lands and natural spaces in your community. For instance, you can help on a clean-up or a habitat restoration project.
- Sign up to be a citizen scientist and encourage your family and friends to join you.
- Explore your local community: identify natural spaces that need to be restored or protected, advocate for pedestrian and bicycle access along roads, volunteer your time to keep green spaces green, or find other ways to get involved.
- Volunteer at local shelters, donate water, clothes, food, and other necessities that the shelter needs. As amplifies severe weather, our most vulnerable populations will be exposed to dangerous conditions like heat waves and severe storms.
- Join a local conservation group, a USbet365下载ios Refuge Friends Group, or recreation enthusiast group like a birding club, to get outside and learn more about your local ecosystem.
Learn and Engage: