Climate Change: Taking Action on the Local Level

The Helena Citizens’ Council recognizes the important steps the city is taking to mitigate climate change.  However, the council believes that it is not just the city’s responsibility but the participation of its citizens that will ensure emission reductions and water conservation.  Below is information about how each citizen can participate in reducing his/her carbon footprint.

Helena’s Climate Change Task Force Report

In September 2009, Helena accepted a report that included 38 recommendations that will lead the city towards energy security, a stable water supply, and green house gas emission reductions.  Read the full report by following the link below.

http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/ 

Calculate your carbon footprint

An individual's carbon footprint is the direct effect one's actions and lifestyle have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions. From our home electricity use, to travel, to our diet, to the clothes we wear; all of our actions involve emission of carbon dioxide and have direct or indirect impact in accelerating climate change.  Calculate your carbon footprint by following the links below.

http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/

http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx

http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu/

Conserve Water

The demands on our supply of water increase every year with an increasing population and consumption demands.  The challenge of today is to learn how to use our water more wisely.  Each of us has a moral and personal responsibility to conserve this precious resource.  Follow the links below to learn how you can conserve water in your daily activities.

http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php

http://www.epa.gov/watersense/test_your_watersense.html

http://www.epa.gov/ow/citizen/thingstodo.html

Conserve Energy

Conserving energy saves you money and reduces the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere.

http://www.energy.gov/energysavingtips.htm

http://www.fypower.org/res/tools/energy_tips.html

 Recycle

Recycling conserves our natural resources, saves landfill space, conserves energy, and reduces water pollution, air pollution and the green house gas emissions that cause global warming.  Learn about local recycling options below.

http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/departments/public-works/solid-waste/recycling.html

http://helenarecycling.com/

http://www.savemobile.org/Recycle/recycling.helena.shtmlhttp://www.savemobile.org/Recycle/recycling.helena.shtmlhttp://www.savemobile.org/Recycle/recycling.helena.shtml