Climate action starts at home

Village officials and community groups are working together to share ways all Oak Parkers can make a difference in combating climate change. The actions and choices made by individual citizens can move the community closer to the goals outlined in Climate Ready Oak Park, the comprehensive and long-range plan adopted by the Village in response to the global climate crisis. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, there are a number of actions you can take to help reduce the community’s carbon footprint:

TOP 5 ACTIONS FOR RENTERS:

1. Switch your electricity to Community Solar. Find information about investing in clean energy without solar panels at www.citizensutilityboard.org/solar-in-the-community. 
2. If appliances break, ask your landlord to replace them with electric ones. When your lease is up, seek an apartment with electric appliances and heat.
3. Travel clean. Use public transit and walk or ride your bike as much as you can. Or use an e-bike or electric vehicle.
4. Adapt green laundry habits. Wash clothes in cold water. Air out jeans and sweaters rather than washing after each wear. Use clothes drying racks instead of the dryer.
5. Optimize your grocery budget. Plan meals and grocery shopping to reduce food waste. Purchase a kitchen compost pail for $10 at Village Hall and drop off your food scraps at one of five Oak Park composting locations. More information is at www.oak-park.us/compostable. 

TOP 5 ACTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS:

1. Weatherize and electrify your home. Learn about ways to reduce your energy load and save money at www.sustainoakpark.com/weatherization. When appliances break, replace them with electric ones.
2. Switch to solar. Learn about Investing in clean energy without the panels via Community Solar at www.citizensutilityboard.org/solar-in-the-community. Or visit sunroof.withgoogle.com to see if your home is a good candidate for rooftop solar. 
3. Convert your lawn to native plants and veggies. Support biodiversity by following natural lawn care practices. Consider a rain garden to reduce runoff from your property or a vegetable garden to grow your own food.
4. Travel clean. Use public transit and walk or ride your bike as much as you can. Or use an e-bike or electric vehicle.
5. Compost. Join the Village’s curbside compost program. Share with a neighbor to reduce costs. Homeowners in large multi-family buildings can purchase a kitchen compost pail for $10 at Village Hall and drop off your food scraps at one of four Oak Park composting locations. More information is at www.oak-park.us/compostable.