The Choice  is Yours

A majority of climate scientists around the globe believe greenhouse gases contribute to global warming. They believe we must start reducing greenhouse gas emissions immediately - before climate change causes irreversible harm to the environment and our economy.

You can cut back greenhouse gas emissions and still enjoy the comfort and convenience of natural gas. Here's how:

• Choose high-efficiency natural gas equipment rather than electric. In Oregon, using a high-efficiency gas furnace, water heater, cook top and dryer rather than comparable high-efficiency electric equipment - including a heat pump - can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 20 percent.

• Use energy wisely. Make sure your home is weatherized so you're not heating the outdoors with your furnace. To find out what you can do to keep your home comfortable and lower your energy bills, ask the Energy Trust of Oregon for a free home energy review. And when you buy new equipment, make it high efficiency. A few dollars upfront can save you money in the long run while reducing CO₂ emissions.

• Sign up for Smart Energy. Your Smart Energy contributions will help support projects that prevent greenhouse gases from being created. In exchange, you'll receive "carbon offsets" that balance out the CO₂ emissions from your own natural gas use.

What are other ways I can reduce my environmental footprint? Transportation is the primary source of greenhouse gases. So driving less is one of the best ways to reduce emissions.

Be a careful consumer. Think about how many new products you actually need, and consider the packaging of what you buy. How far did a product travel to reach you, and how much energy did it take to create or grow and package it?