Take Control of What You Can Control
It is now abundantly clear we cannot count on our electeds, local, state or federal, to institute good policy to slow the downward spiral of climate change. But we are not powerless, far from it. Each of us has the ability to make change and encourage others to join us in that change.
The question is, will you use your power?
Here are some of our favorites ideas to get you started in 2025:
Set your daytime heat at 69 - 70 degrees, open your blinds to let the sun warm your home, and close the blinds when the sun goes down to keep the warmth in. Wear cozy sweaters and create your own heat by getting up from your chair every hour and doing something physical (laundry, dishes, meal prep, simple stretches).
Lower your nighttime heat to 66 degrees and snuggle up under a warm comforter.
Check with your electric company for rebates on smart thermostats to adjust your temperature automatically or from your phone.
Do an energy usage tune up. Log into your electric company account to manage your energy usage and take advantage of savings programs and discounts.
Sign up for Community Solar—it’s free and available to anyone with an electric bill, and you will get a discount on the solar usage toward your bill.
Yes, it’s cold, but… get out of the house every day. Walk or use public transportation, not only will it help reduce tailpipe emissions, it's good for your physical and mental health and you’ll get your errands done.
Thwart the City of Chicago’s 10-cent tax on single-use plastic and paper bags and 5-cent tax on water bottles by bringing your own reusable beverage container and bags with you wherever you go.
Think spring and clean out your cupboards, drawers and closets, but don’t throw anything away! Take all clothing to national resale stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, Savers/Unique) even if it’s worn or torn. They sell their excess and unsellable items to recyclers but don’t advertise this practice as they prefer to receive only the highest quality donations that they can sell directly in their store for the greatest profit—but they rarely will refuse items, and they typically do not throw them in the trash! For other items, check out the Reuse page on Chicago Environmentalists. There is a use for practically everything you need to donate!
Now, to make sure you don’t buy anything you don’t need and save a few trees in the process, from the comfort of your couch you can unsubscribe from unwanted direct mail and catalogs through DMA choice and Catalog Choice.
As always, these and more Tips and Tricks for Sustainable Living are on our webpage. Send us an email at environment@lwvchicago.org if you have a tip we missed!