Tips for reducing pollution

and energy use

* Light bulbs: Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 60 percent less electricity. Changing one bulb saves 300 pounds in carbon dioxide emissions from power plants annually.

* Home heating/cooling: Move the thermostat down two degrees in winter, up two degrees in summer. This could save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Install programmable thermostat for more savings.

* Furnace: Clean or replace filters in furnace and air conditioner. A dirty filter can mean an extra 350 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

* Hot water heaters: Wrap older heaters in insulation blankets, saving 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Keep thermostat no higher than 120 degrees.

* Clotheslines: Use a clothesline for drying clothes.

* Vehicles and appliances: Buy more energy-efficient vehicles and appliances. A three-mpg improvement can save 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. Look for the Energy Star label on appliances.

* Tune-ups: Keep your vehicle tuned up. Keep tires properly inflated.

* Drive less: Walk and bike more. Consolidate car trips when possible.

* Recycle: A big energy saver.

* Unplug electronics: Instant-on features on stereos, TVs, cell phone chargers, hairdryers and computers waste energy. Unplug at wall when not in use.

(Source: City of Sebastopol's energy guide)