What Can We Do To Protect Our Environment?

It is vital that our community get engaged and educated in this issue. Here are some practical ways that we can all start to protect our environment:

Save Energy at Home

• Unplug unused appliances and completely turn off equipment such as TV's and stereos even if on stand-by mode.
• Use appliances more efficiently by setting the temperature of your refrigerator between 38 and 42 degrees F (freezers at 0-5 degrees F), by washing full loads of clothes, and by cleaning the filter in your dryer regularly.
• Set your thermostat in winter to 68 degrees F or less, 78 degrees or more during the summer, and your water heater at 120-130 degrees F. Use the sunlight wisely to heat your home, and vice-versa use blinds for shading to keep your home cool.
• Turn off the lights in the rooms you're not using and right after you leave a room or an office.
• Seal and better insulate the rooms in your house.
• Use fluorescent light bulbs
• Recycle!

Reduce Fuel Consumption

• Improve the fuel economy of your car by going easy on the gas and brakes, by reducing your idling time, and by removing any unnecessary items from your car to help decrease its weight.
• Keep your car well tuned by checking your motor oil and air filter often, and by checking your tire pressure regularly.
• Use public transportation as often as possible (not using your car twice during the week will save 1600 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year) and purchase hybrid cars and renewable fuels whenever possible.
• Walking and riding your bike is not only reduces fuel consumption but it is also good for your health!

Over the next year, the NLCCC will undertake a number of initiatives that will engage and educate our community on this profoundly important issue. These briefings will include the convening of a series of Regional Latino Leadership Briefings on Global Warming, in key cities across the U.S., and will feature top issue experts, elected officials, community leaders, and others. Please sign up to receive more information about the briefings and what you can do to help us advance in this mighty effort!