TAKE THE IMPACT PLEDGE –  HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

Talking about climate change doesn’t have to be difficult; it’s something every human on the planet is facing.  The urgency is real and we see the effects every day through more frequent storms, rising sea levels, droughts, heat waves, fires and extreme cold.

The Impact Series is about behavior change and helping people understand how their daily actions can have a positive impact on global efforts to combat climate change.

Everyday citizens can relate:

• RECOGNIZE what causes climate change and the effects it is having on our planet.
• IDENTIFY steps you can take to reduce your impact.
• COMMUNICATE the valuable lessons you’ve learned and share your experience.

We are all stewards of this earth and it is our time to shine. From outdoor enthusiasts to family farmers, to business owners, we all have a responsibility to reduce green house gas emissions and we can start today!

Take the Impact Pledge to reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change in Northern Colorado!

The Impact Pledge is a voluntary effort focused on the following areas:

• Understanding your Carbon Footprint
• Using Alternative Transportation
• Reducing Energy Usage
• Reducing Waste
• Conserving Water

Collectively we can raise awareness and learn how to communicate the effects of climate change while shifting our mindset to better practices and behaviors that create stronger and more resilient communities.

Choose two or more actions from the list below and Take the Pledge.

1. Carbon Footprint – Learn how to reduce your carbon emissions by using a carbon footprint calculator. Visit the Shift FoCo Challenge or www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator
2. Transportation Alternatives – Take the bus, walk, carpool or bike one day a week, in place of a time you would normally use your car. If you have to drive consider combining errands/trips to reduce your miles traveled. Larimer County Regional Transportation, CDOT intercity bus service,  Front Range Vanpool, Fort Collins Carpool, Groom airport shuttle.
3. Energy Reduction – Be efficient and reduce your energy usage by using LED light bulbs and turning off lights, stereo/gaming equipment and appliances when not in use. Get started by doing a home energy audit. Learn more at Larimer County Efficiency AssessmentorEfficiency Works.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Place recyclable items like aluminum, plastic bottles and glass where they belong and reduce single use items like water bottles, coffee cups, plastic bags and straws. City of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Waste Management.
5. Water – Conserve this precious resource by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets or xeriscaping your yard. Northern Water Conservancy District, City of Fort Collins.