If you're like most of us, you've taken the pledge because you are interested in taking personal action to solve the climate crisis but are wondering how you should get started. If you haven't taken the pledge yet, take the Pledge. There are a variety of impactful measures you can start with. Some take one minute and cost nothing. Some take a little time and money up front in order to reap the climate benefits and saved costs. Here are a few tips for each section of the pledge to help you get started on the pathway to a lower climate impact. We'll be developing programs to reward you as you make these changes, and we'll continue to challenge you with more ways to solve the climate crisis. This is just the beginning.

    1. To demand that my country join an international treaty within the next 2 years that cuts global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy earth;

    • Vote. The best way to ensure that your country takes the required actions is to vote for leaders who commit to action on global warming. [See Vote: Exercise Your Right]
    • Put it in writing. Tell your leaders what you want them to do. Whether it's business, community, or elected representatives, you need to tell your leaders what you think. [See Take the Lead, Inspire Change] If you are in America, we have an online tool that can help you write an email to your representatives. [See Tell Your Legislator]

    2. To take personal action to help solve the climate crisis by reducing my own CO2 pollution as much as I can and offsetting the rest to become "carbon neutral;"

    • Power down. Turn things off when you're not using them. This goes for anything that plugs in at your house, in your community activities, and on the job. Use energy saver settings on your home appliances, computers, monitors, and office equipment. And flip the switch to off or unplug devices when you don't need them to be on. You'll save energy and money. [For more information see +appliances +home +computer]
    • Time and temperature. Set your thermostat to match your actual needs. Turning down your thermostat at night and when you're not home in the winter and turning it up in the summer will save significant utility bill costs and reduce energy use and global warming gases. A programmable thermostat is easy to install and set up and will make the adjustments automatically. Utilities recommend setting the thermostat to 68°F in the winter when you're home during the day and 78°F in the summer. And if you install insulation in your attic, it will be even cheaper to keep your home a comfortable temperature. [For more information see +thermostat +home +insulate]
    • Bike to basics. Consider leaving the car at home every once in a while for trips that can be done on foot, bike, or using public transit. And if your public transit isn't working for you, ask for better service. Your health and the climate will thank you. [For more information see +bike +public transportation]
    • Offset what you can't reduce. For the global warming gases that you can't reduce directly, buy high quality carbon offsets from one of the many retailers around the world. Always evaluate their offerings and choose offsets that best match your interests. [For more information see +offsets]

    3. To fight for a moratorium on the construction of any new generating facility that burns coal without the capacity to safely trap and store the CO2;

    • Be vocal. If a new coal fired power station is being built in your area, or even your country, let people know that if we don't look at being able to safely trap and store the CO2 otherwise we're pretty much stuck with the old polluting technology for at least 30 years. [See Write it Down]

    4. To work for a dramatic increase in the energy efficiency of my home, workplace, school, place of worship, and means of transportation;

    • Pump your ride. Inflate, maintain, and unload your car for maximum fuel economy. Until you're ready to buy your next car and to choose a fuel-efficient one, taking care of your existing car requires a few easy steps and will save you gas money and reduce your impact on the climate crisis. Keep your tires inflated to recommended levels, follow your car's schedule for regular maintenance, and unload the things in the trunk and on the roof that you don't need to carry around. [For more information see +car +pump up]
    • Buy smart. Choose the most efficient version of everything you buy. In a variety of countries including the US, many products are sold with energy labels that indicate how much energy they use compared to similar ones. Read the labels to find products with the ENERGY STAR ratings (if in the US) or a good letter grade (in many other countries) as well as the lowest annual energy use. You'll save energy and money. [For more information see +buy most efficient +appliances +computer]
    • Lighten up. Switch to CFLs. Replace your old incandescent light bulbs with modern compact fluorescents. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, lighting levels, and color. Check you local hardware store, superstore, grocery store, or drugstore for CFLs comparable to what you are using now. You'll save energy and money and your home will be bright. [For more information see +CFL]

    5. To fight for laws and policies that expand the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on oil and coal;

    • Be renewable. Choose green power from your utility or, if it's not offered, ask for it. In 37 states, you can choose a renewable power product from your utility instead of the traditional mix of mainly fossil fuel energy resources. When combined with other efficiency improvements in all parts of your life, purchasing green electricity from your utility is an important way to lower the global carbon footprint. You'll prevent a lot of global warming gases from being emitted on your behalf. [For more information see +green power]

    6. To plant new trees and to join with others in preserving and protecting forests;

    • Plant trees. The United National Environment Programme Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign, has tree planting tips and links to technical help sites and other related organizations.

    7. To buy from businesses and support leaders who share my commitment to solving the climate crisis and building a sustainable, just, and prosperous world for the 21st century.

    • Spend your green where it's greenest. Support companies that are lowering their climate impact. With help from several scorecards available now and more coming in the future, you can purchase services and products offered by companies that are making an effort to monitor and reduce their emissions of global warming gases. Even better, spend your money on products and services that help you lower your own footprint and save money. [For more information see +buy smart +buying power +business +home]
    • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Participate in the used product marketplace. Whether it's online, at your church sale, or from an antique dealer, buying used means avoiding the production and distribution of goods that today normally requires energy and emits global warming gases. And before throwing something in the trash, check the recycling guide from your local garbage company to see if it can be recycled. [For more information see +used +buy smart]