CO2 Smackdown: How to Lose 10 Tons of CO2 in 12 Cash-Saving Steps

We focus on the household because some of the biggest savings you can make come from insulating, sealing, upgrading your furnace and appliances—all choices that will improve your home’s efficiency and save you money in the long run. And with Congress considering incentives for home-efficiency improvements, as well as services and incentives that states and municipalities are offering, there should be many opportunities for rebates, loans and other ways to defray upfront costs and get help when you need it.

So why 10 tons? And why 12 months? Because 10 tons is a realistic sum for a household to shed, and some of the steps will involve an investment of time and resources and it's good to spread these out. Also, this plan will go beyond the household to look at ways your transportation, eating and other habits can be tweaked to reduce your emissions. Changing habits doesn't happen overnight!

Start with our first step: a home energy audit.

12 Month Overview

Each month, we will take you through a new step, with a concrete plan, cost reduction strategies and alternatives if you’ve already taken a given action or it doesn’t apply to your situation.

1. January: Conduct a home energy audit
2. February: Seal and insulate your home
3. March: Upgrade your furnace
4. April: Improve your commute
5. May: Cool your home for less
6. June: Trim out beef and pork
7. July: Treat water right
8. August: Skip one flight
9. September: Reduce waste
10. October: Replace an inefficient appliance
11. November: Make your electronics more efficient
12. December: Cut your food waste

Join in My Simple Steps' CO2 Smackdown

Join Simple Steps' Energy Smackdown, and cut your energy, water use, while saving money and the planet. Track your savings and others in your state relative to the rest of the country using our calculators and maps. But beware, things could get a little competitive. We say "go for it, have some fun, and may the best state win."  Join My Simple Steps today.

Tax Deductions, Rebates and Assistance Programs

There are many options out there to help pay for home improvements and efficiency upgrades. Check these out ahead of time and you might find you'll be able to accomplish more than you thought possible.

Utilities: Check with your energy provider for rebates and assistance programs

State Incentives: The Alliance to Save Energy provides state-by-state listings of incentives

Federal Government: See the Tax Incentives Assistance Project for information about home-improvements and energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for federal income tax deductions. Depending on your income, you may qualify for a free audit and other weatherization services through the Weatherization Assistance Program. This service is also available to renters.

Photo credit: Tambako the Jaguar/Flickr