Many of the steps in shifting to renewable energy involve first shifting from fossil fuels to electricity. Ensuring that your electricity is generated by renewables will complete the transition to renewable energy.

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Not everyone owns a home that is suitable for solar panels, but everyone who pays an electric bill can save money by subscribing to community solarUnlike traditional solar, where panels are installed on your roof or property, community solar is installed at an offsite location. You can subscribe to the community solar project and receive credits on your regular electric bill for the clean energy produced. Resources: Hudson Valley Community Power Solar for All (low income) Buyer’s Guide to Community Solar in NY (2017) Community More.
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Improving your building’s efficiency first makes your home more comfortable, saves energy, and makes many renewable heating technologies work better.  Many contractors offer no obligation low cost energy audits, and you may qualify for one for free. Getting an audit to "diagnose" your home is a great way to evaluate your home and determine priorities for your home upgrades. 
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Lighting is considered a “low hanging fruit”. This means that replacing the bulbs in your home is low cost, easy, and will pay for itself in months.
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It’s hard to know if what you are buying is energy efficient or an energy hog, and more efficient appliances don’t have to cost more.  Make a habit of knowing how much energy your purchases will use before you buy so you can make informed decisions.
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Transportation is responsible for about 30% of nation-wide emissions. Driving less, biking, using public transportation, or purchasing a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) can all greatly reduce your fossil fuel use.
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Depending on how often and how far you drive, you may need a home charging station to make an electric vehicle work for you.  If you understand your own needs and the type of electric or plug in electric vehicle you are likely to buy, you will be ready if your current vehicle breaks down and you have to replace it in a hurry.
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Heating is usually the largest user of energy AND source of carbon emissions in the home. Switching to renewable heat is a giant step towards getting off fossil fuels.
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Water heating amounts to almost a fifth of a typical home’s energy use and carbon emissions. Large rebates can make switching to a heat pumpThese transfer heat from outside rather than converting it from fuel. Resources: • Air Source Heat Pump Buying Guide
hot water heater or other renewable option one of the most cost-effective steps you can take.
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While gas stoves are not a big energy user, they are a major source of indoor air pollution. Even when operated properly without an exhaust fan, they can cause your home to exceed the EPA’s outdoor air quality guidelines.
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Unless you do a lot of laundry, a gas dryer is not a gigantic energy user, but don’t miss the opportunity to upgrade if you are already planning to replace it.
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Recent advances in batteries have made many electric lawnmowers, snowblowers, etc. work as well or better than their gas powered cousins, while often costing the same or less to buy. While quality varies widely, the best ones are a joy to use.
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By sharing what you have learned through your own process, others will be more informed and better equipped to make the switch themselves.  There are also many other actions you can take that may not directly affect your own energy use, but can greatly help the environment.
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I have made a complete plan that fits within my budget and willingness to reduce my footprint. I pledge to implement it.

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Your private information will stay private. Marbletown ECC and Sustainable Hudson Valley will not use any of your private information without permission.

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