5 ways you can help tackle climate change in Austin right now
Austin this summer experienced record-setting triple-digit temperatures during one of the worst droughts in recent history. With our climate flipping from deluge to drought, the risk of widespread wildfires is increasing, and toxic algae nurtured by the abnormal heat has invaded many of the city's beloved swimming areas.
Leaders in Austin have linked these issues and many more to climate change, saying that Central Texas can expect even higher temperatures, more flash flooding, poor human health, reduced agricultural production and higher energy costs if something doesn't change soon.
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Last year, the Austin City Council voted to adopt a new plan to reduce the use of fossil fuels to nearly zero by 2040. That goal would be accomplished by electrifying transportation, creating at least a 50% tree canopy to help cool Austin and ensuring that infrastructure is built more sustainably.
Currently in Austin, about 46% of greenhouse gas emissions come from energy provided to buildings, and about 36% are a result of transportation. Another 3% is from unnecessary waste, such as food scraps, going to the landfill instead of being composted.
It's estimated that each of Austin's more than 965,800 residents is responsible for a carbon footprint of 8.5 metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent annually, according to the city's website. That's far better than the U.S. average of 16 tons, but more than double the global average of 4 tons, data from the Nature Conservancy show.
As more commuters take to Austin roads and more households use power for electronics and air conditioning, the resulting harmful greenhouse gas emissions might be exacerbating the global climate crisis. But the city has an online hub showing how residents can take dozens of steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Here are five simple ones to get you started:
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1. Don't put your food scraps in the trash
Yes, it's very convenient to scrape the food waste stuck to your dinner plate straight into the trash can, but did you know that your leftovers will turn into harmful methane gas once sent to the landfill?
If you live in a single-family home in Austin, you can easily sign up for the city's composting program and receive a bin just for your food waste, soiled paper and cardboard, and lawn debris.
Organics by Gosh, the city's contracted composting company, cannot properly compost without Austin-area residents sending it food scraps. Without those materials, the company has to outsource food waste from other cities to make rich soil and mulch.
If you live in an apartment or condo, don't fret. Even though the city doesn't offer curbside composting to multifamily units, there are many affordable at-home balcony and countertop composting options, which over time will gift you free soil for your garden or house plants. Austin Resource Recovery even offers classes to get you started.
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2. Electrify your ride
Driving a fully electric vehicle produces zero emissions, and if you can afford the upfront costs, you'll start saving money by never having to pay volatile gas prices. Electric cars contain far fewer moving parts than their gas-engine counterparts, so EV maintenance costs are lower, too.
If you can't afford a new vehicle, used EVs are a more affordable option as Austin drivers trade in older EVs for updated models.
Austin Energy offers charging stations all over the city, powered by clean, renewable solar energy. There are also state and federal incentives and rebates, which can save you money when purchasing new.
For those on a budget, the city has rentable electric scooters and bikes all over town.
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3. Opt for reusable bags, cups and utensils
Did you know that plastic grocery bags, utensils, straws and hot coffee cups aren't recyclable?
Those are some of many items, including styrofoam to-go containers and food wrappers, that a lot of us put in the bin hoping they get recycled, but in reality they just clog the machines that help sort our waste before it gets turned into something new.
Americans use more than 100 million plastic utensils every day, according to data from National Geographic, and the Earth Policy Institute found that about a trillion single-use plastic bags are used each year worldwide.
Using beeswax wraps instead of single-use freezer bags, or even opting for reusable freezer bags that can last for years, can go a long way. Bringing along reusable utensils, straws, to-go containers, and hot and cold cups when going out to eat in Austin can also have a huge impact.
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4. Eat more locally produced goods
This is your sign to visit your local farmers market!
Whether it's the Texas Farmers Market in Mueller, the SFC Farmers Market in Sunset Valley or the Barton Creek Farmers Market at Barton Creek Square, supporting the Austin economy by purchasing locally grown produce and baked goods can reduce greenhouse gases produced during the shipping of similar items to grocery stores.
Go a step farther by taking public transportation to your nearest farmers market, or consider walking or riding a bike.
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5. Take public transportation once a week
Speaking of public transportation, one way to reduce emissions from your vehicle is to commit to taking public transit to work at least one day a week.
You can download the mobile app for Capital Metro, the region's public transit agency, to learn which routes benefit you. If you're still working from home, consider taking public transit when going out on the weekends, trying out a new restaurant or even making a smaller grocery trip.
If you're planning to visit Dallas, Houston or San Antonio, take an Amtrak train, a Megabus or a Greyhound bus, some of which offer free Wi-Fi and dining and lounge options.
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 5 ways you can help tackle climate change in Austin right now
