Live a Greener Life

Follow these small steps to make an immediate impact

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Replace a bulb!  Switch five incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent lights and you could save an average of $60 a year on your electric bill.  The CFL bulbs also last 10 times longer than incandescent thus reducing the number of time you need to replace them.

Reduce energy loads! Most small appliances and office equipment use energy even when shut off, so unplug all appliances when not in use. Make it easier by plugging your TVs, DVD players, computers and printers into a power strip and simply turning it off. For more energy saving ideas visit Efficiency Vermont or Burlington Electric Department.  Curious about the energy use of your home appliances?  Borrow a watt monitor through BED or take one out on loan from the Fletcher Free Library.

Look for Energy Star appliances! Efficiency Vermont Rebate Center offers numerous rebates and incentives to customers looking to save energy and buy EnergyStar rated appliances.

TRANSPORTATION

Hop on your bike! Vermont’s largest contributor to Greenhouse Gas Emissions comes from the cars we drive, grab your bike or go for a stroll when taking a trip to the store.  Visit Local Motion to learn more about Burlington’s biking community, access maps and biking support.  Too cold to ride a bike? Take the bus! The CCTA bus line is fast and effective when looking to reduce emissions.

Join CarShareVT!  CarShare Vermont gives you easy access to a network of vehicles parked around town that you can use whenever you want for as long as you like. You pay based on how much you drive—this saves you money and helps the environment. Whether you have errands to run, need a car for work, or want to get out of town for the weekend, CarShare Vermont can get you there.

Pump up your tires!  Improper inflation of car tires can lead to a reduction in efficiency of 3% or more along with increasing tread wear and tear which means more emissions. Keep your tires inflated and your engine properly tuned to have your automobile run at its optimal performance.

GARDENS AND LOCAL FOOD

Eat and buy locally!  Purchasing locally produced goods supports our community members and reduces the emissions generated through transporting goods over long distances.  Stop into City Market for some of the freshest local produce.

Join a CSA or plant your own garden!  The Intervale Community Farm is a Burlington-based CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) were members pay-up front for a season of fresh, local produce.  Like other CSAs, the ICF consists of  individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or “share-holders” of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production.  If you’re interested in planting your own garden, and need space, contact Parks and Recreation for more information.

WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING

Reduce, reuse, recycle!  These simple concepts are the easiest to abide by and sometimes have the largest impact. Reduce the amount of goods you buy, simplify your life. Reuse items whenever possible. If neither of the two applies then do your best to recycle whatever items you can to conserve resources, reduce pollution and save energy. Check out Chittenden Solid Waste Department for more ways to save.   When you are considering a purchase, or how to pass-off what you no longer may need, visit Burlington’s ReSource.  ReSource refurbishes donated household items and resells them through two retail storefronts and finds new homes for major appliances, computers, electronics, furniture, and other household goods.  It also offers construction and building materials for sale through its deconstruction service. Founded in 2001, the deconstruction service addresses the 25 to 40 percent of US waste that is construction and demolition debris.

URBAN FORESTRY

Adopt a Tree!  With over 40% tree cover, Burlington touts itself on being one of America’s greenest cities.  Managing and maintaining this valuable resource takes time and volunteers.  Visit Branch Out Burlington’s website for how you can be a tree keeper.  Learn more about tree care through the Parks and Recreation Department’s Tree Program.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Vote for the Clean Energy Assesment District on March 2!    A Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program, enabled by Act 45 of 2009 Legislature, will allow property owners to access money for installation of energy efficiency measures and renewables and repay through an assessment on their property tax bill. This is a unique and cost-effective way to implement a variety of efficient and renewable energy projects at home or in a business. There is no upfront cost and repayment obligation can be transferred if property is sold. How does it work? The amount financed cannot exceed 15% of the property’s assessed value. For owner-occupied residential (1-4 units) the maximum amount financed cannot exceed $30,000. The loan to value ratio of all outstanding mortgages plus the amount financed cannot exceed 90% of the property’s assessed value.  How can we make this financing available for Burlington property owners? It must be adopted by Citywide vote on March 2!