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Climate and Renewable Energy

Climate change is rapidly becoming more widely recognized as a problem facing our society.  Increased regulatory measures and more widespread market based incentives to reduce carbon emissions are expected in coming years.   Yamhill county landowners can reduce carbon emissions by tilling soil less, managing animal manures efficiently, using and generating renewable fuel technology, planting and maintaining healthy timber stands, and preventing forest fires.  Additionally, adoption of renewable fuels may be important to keep agricultural enterprises competitive in a global market.

Our current work with agricultural programs emphasizes reduction in soil tillage and other practices that increase soil organic matter.  Practices to reduce burning of agricultural wastes will continue to be promoted to reduce carbon releases into the atmosphere.

 

Reducing your Carbon Footprint at Home

 

First you can calculate your carbon foot print

These are easy things to change around the house that can help lower your carbon footprint and your energy bills!

• Buy local produce
• Hang your clothes to dry
• Lower your thermostat 1 degree
• Use cold water to wash dishes and clothes, avoid washing unless it is a full load
• Avoid bottled water, instead keep a gallon of cold water in your fridge
• Switch your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents, which use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10x longer
• Reuse grocery bags, or have reusable bags
• Compost your food waste instead of using a garbage disposal or throwing it away
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels
• Buy in bulk, this will reduce packaging waste and is usually cheaper
• Print using both side of the paper and switch to a sans-serifed font to reduce ink usage
• Switch to energy star rated appliances
• Unplug unused appliances from the electrical outlet when not in use. TVs, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances (like coffee makers and toasters) all use energy even when not in use

McMinnville Public Library has Kill-A-Watt monitors to check out to measure the energy usage of your household appliances and electronics