20 by 2020

Oklahoma Chapter

EXPLORE, ENJOY AND PROTECT THE PLANET

20 by 2020

Help reduce air pollution emissions and energy use 20% by the year 2020.

Thank you for caring about Tulsa's future and environment. Today, our city and planet face a serious challenge. If we continue to increase air pollution, global-warming emissions and energy use, we will disrupt the ecological balance of our world, leading to a disastrous future for ourselves and for coming generations.

We may end up destroying the future for too many people on Earth.

Our duty is to act responsibly as individuals and citizens. Working together, Tulsans can create a cleaner, smarter and safer future. Please begin a personal plan to fight global warming, decrease pollution and reduce energy use. The following suggestions will help you get started.

Practical Steps you can take now.

Some websites for more information

Important: Take steps to reduce your consumption of electricity and cut back on heating and cooling.

Turn on lights and electric appliances only when you need them.
Use compact fluorescent, LED or other low-energy light bulbs.
Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Unplug appliances that aren't in use.
Improve the insulation of your home.
Install weather stripping around doors and windows.
Replace old windows with energy-efficient ones.
Plant shade trees that protect windows from summer sun but allow sunshine in during the winter months.
In cold weather, wear warm clothing and turn down the heat. Set your thermostat to 67 degrees F in winter and 78 in summer.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer at their most efficient settings.
Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees F. Insulate your water heater. Look into buying a tankless, on-demand water heater.
When it's time to replace appliances, buy replacements with the Energy Star Label. Use a microwave instead of a conventional oven or stove when you can.
Run dishwashers only when full. Use your dishwasher's most efficient settings.
Run clothes washers full, but don't overload them. Use cold or warm water instead of hot water when possible, especially when doing laundry. Air-dry your laundry if you can.
Connect your outdoor lights to a timer.
Buy green electricity produced by low-pollution facilities.
Explore using solar energy for your home.

Important: Reduce the amount of gasoline and other fuels you use.

Make a plan to lower the amount of gasoline you buy, even if you cut back by only one gallon per week.
Schedule your car trips for maximum efficiency and minimum travel.
Walk or use a bicycle whenever possible.
Join a carpool or vanpool.
Ride the bus.
Ask your employer to consider flexible work schedules or telecommuting.
Maintain and tune up your vehicle regularly.
Make sure your vehicle's tires are properly inflated.
Don't speed, and accelerate and slow down gradually.
Remove unnecessary articles from your car to improve fuel efficiency.
Instead of a gasoline-powered lawnmower, use an electric mower or push mower.
When it's time to replace your vehicle, buy a more fuel-efficient model.

Important: Install water-saving devices and minimize your water use.

Fix any water leaks in your home.
Don't wash dishes with the water running continuously.
Install a low-flow shower head.
When replacing an old toilet, buy a new one that uses less water.
Install a water-efficient or air-assisted toilet.
Water grass early in the morning.
Take quick showers.
Install water-efficient showerheads and sink-faucet aerators.
Collect rainwater and graywater for gardening use.

Important: Disperse as few pollutants and chemicals into the environment as possible.

Find safer alternatives to household cleaners.
Use moderate amounts of biodegradable detergent.
Minimize pesticide use.
Use natural fertilizers.
Mulch fallen leaves, or put them in a compost heap.
Use traps instead of rat and mouse poisons and insect killers.
Use cedar chips or aromatic herbs instead of mothballs.
Avoid using leaf blowers and other dust-producing equipment.
Don't use your wood stove or fireplace when air quality is poor.
Check your car for oil leaks or other leaks.
Clean the lint screen in clothes dryers.
Buy only as much paint as you need for the job.
Buy and use low-VOC or water-based paints and finishes.
Paint with brushes or rollers instead of using spray paints.
Clean or replace air filters regularly.

Important: Understand the environmental consequences of what you buy and use.

Get a safe, refillable water bottle instead of buying water in disposable plastic bottles.
Buy items in bulk when possible to reduce packaging waste.
Don't buy products with excessive packaging.
Buy products that you can reuse instead of disposables.
When you go shopping, take a canvas shopping bag or other reusable bag.
Maintain and repair durable products instead of buying new ones.
Rent or borrow items that you seldom use.
Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.
Buy reusable containers to store food instead of plastic wrap.
Buy locally produced foods.
Eat organic or less-processed foods.
Start a garden: Grow some of your own food.
Practice and support organic farming and gardening methods.
Purchase and use rechargeable batteries.
Use a coffee mug instead of a disposable cup.
Avoid using anything made of plastic foam.
Use natural fiber clothing, bedding and towels.
Buy used instead of new when you can.
Buy products that will last.