What You Can Do

Whether you a own or rent a home, or run a business or organization, there are many ways you can prepare for the heating season - and our energy future. 

At Home 

• Get a home energy audit and make improvements with an ENERGY STAR certified contractor.

• Get assistance in weatherizing your home.  The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity delivers comprehensive energy services to qualified low-income households.

• Get home heating tips from Efficiency Vermont.

• Reduce your electricity costs at home by purchasing compact fluorescent bulbs and ENERGY STAR appliances. Look for the ENERGY STAR label at your local retailer or visit Efficiency Vermont for more information.  In Burlington, visit the Burlington Electric Department.

• Reduce, reuse and recycle!  By using less, reusing products and recycling, we save natural resources and energy.  The Chittenden Solid Waste District can help.

• Dry your clothes on a line.  When the weather is dry, you can save electricity and money by using a clothesline or rack instead of a dryer. Read here about Project Laundry List.

• Lose 5,000lbs. in 30 days.  Vermont Interfaith Power & Light can help individual members of faith communities reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions they produce in their homes, workplaces, and through transportation.

• Change how you heat your home.  Switching to natural gas, wood or other options could save you money.

• Buy renewable energy.  Customers of electric utilities such as Green Mountain Power (GMP) can choose to purchase electricity from renewable energy.   For example, GMP offers a Greener GMP program.  Their GoSolar program helps you learn about using solar energy for your home or business. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of Burlington Electric Department's power is from renewable sources.

• Generate your own renewable energy. Renewable Energy Vermont can help you learn about using renewable energy, find the right solution and contractor to become energy independent.

• Help with Burlington's Climate Action Plan.  Work with the Burlington Legacy Project and conduct research, assist with website development and share personal testimonials on carbon reduction strategies.

• Calculate the carbon emissions of your meals.  Visit the Low Carbon Diet Calculator to see how your food choices affect carbon emissions.

• View "How To" Videos on our YouTube Channel to learn how to weatherize your home and explore using renewable energy technologies.

Getting Around

• Visit GoVermont, the state's ride share service, to find information about carpooling.

• Check out the Chittenden County Transportation Authority (CCTA), the region's bus service, which offers 13 routes around the county for a reasonable cost.  They also offer service between Burlington and Montpelier.

• Rent a car for as little as an hour from CarShare Vermont. They offer 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.

• Buy an energy efficient car.  Visit the US EPA Car Fuel Economy website and the Green Vehicle Guide to learn which cars get the best mileage and emit the least emissions.  When you get rid of your inefficient clunker and buy a new car, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Depending on your driving, a hybrid car pollutes less and may save you money in the long run.

• Participate in Way to Go! Week each year, which encourages people to use alternative transportation to work.

• Visit Local Motion's website, which features a wealth of information on the region's bicycling and pedestrian opportunities.

• Encourage your kids to walk or ride their bike to school by participating in the Safe Routes to School Program.

• Take advantage of special transportation services for seniors and disabled individuals by contacting Special Services Transportation Authority (SSTA) or Good News Garage's Ready to Go program.

• Donate your car to someone who can't afford one.  Good News Garage will ensure your donated car is safe and efficient, and provide it to a Vermonter who needs it.

At Work

Businesses both small and large can save money and energy using a variety of strategies.

• Participate in CCTA's Smart Business Program and offer your employees transportation benefits. The program reduces their commuting costs, eases traffic congestion and pollution, and provides your business with a tax break.

• Provide information on ride sharing opportunities both in and outside your company.

•  Encourage employees to walk, bike or take the bus to work.