Taking Action, continued |
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Government actionsGovernment programs, both voluntary and mandatory, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More Colorado cities and counties can join Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, Aspen, and 140 others in the country in adopting local programs to reduce greenhouse gases, under an international Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. Others can join 13 Colorado ski resorts in endorsing a U.S. Senate bill, the McCain-Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act, to require large polluters to reduce their greenhouse gases. Improving water securityWater providers and users can take steps to stretch limited water supplies so they continue to meet our needs. Washing machines use 14% of the water in your home; washing only full loads can save 2,400 gallons a month. Fixing a leaking toilet can save 600 gallons a month. Denver Water suggests ways a family can stop wasting up to 9,000 gallons a month.
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Gardening with plants native to this or similar regions can reduce watering needs. Local nurseries can identify suitable plants. Water providers can begin planning on how to meet our needs if climate change increases the need for water and reduces supplies. Most providers still plan as if future conditions will be just like in the 20th Century. A Smart Water report by Western Resource Advocates has a good overview on improving the security of our water supplies, with recommendations from retrofitting aging infrastructure to reusing and recycling more water, and from removing legal barriers to Xeriscape gardening to avoiding midday lawn watering when evaporation rates are highest. Spreading the wordSki resorts have mounted a "Keep Winter Cool" campaign to let skiers know about climate change. You can inspire others to act, too, by speaking out about climate change, how it could affect our lives here, and what you are doing about it. For a business, doing so can help create a good public image.
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