The Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura Chapter is committed to building a clean energy future. That means transforming our fossil fuel economy rapidly and justly. Coal, oil and gas are warming the planet causing catostrophic changes like fire, drought, extreme heat and sea level rise. Those living next to fossil fuel power plants, oil wells and lung-damaging highways are commonly communities of color, are should not be forced to bear the brunt of that polution. Everyone must have clean air and water.
Changing our lifestyles to reduce carbon is not a sacrifice. We can reduce the amount of the fuel burnt and water wasted by making wiser decisions and embracing more effiienct, renewable technologies, both at a personal level and a governmental one.
Transportation:
Living in California, there is no better place to buy or lease an electric car. The State has just increased the amount of their rebates.Utilities too offer rebates for having an electric car and installing a charger. Combined with $7,500 Federal Tax credits on many makes and the savings from using elecricity over gasoline, an electric car is no longer a luxury. See all the current electric cars available here. But keep in mind, there are many used EV and plug in hybrids (cars that run on both). There amazing deals on used and new electric cars everywhere.
Mass transit:
Although many jurisdictions have been forced to cut services because of COVID, public transportation will play an important role in reducing carbon in the years to come. Buses in Ventura and Santa Barbara County cover most areas and will be all-electric by state law by 2040 (and 2035 in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.) All electric buses are healthier and more comfortable than fracked gas or deisel buses. Electric buses are a whole new ball game.
Walking and biking: Walking and biking are always great for health, and they emit no carbon too.
Telecommuting: The practice of working from home has soared since the pandemic, but it may prove to become more of a norm in years to come. Tall office buildings that used to fuel rush hour gridlock maybe converted to apartments instead.
All-electric buildings: Electricity brings power into our homes, but unlike gas, it's the only way to run our homes on clean energy. So whether it's rooftop solar or connecting to a community choice clean power source, all-electric homes are the healthiest and least carbon way to live. A building that is well-insulated and uses efficient appliances needs less electricity to enjoy the same comfort and convenience. Ojai, San Luis Obispo, Santa Monica, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose are just some of the 40 munipalities that are making the transition to electric. And many more in our area will come.
Food: Eating a low or no meat diet is always a great way to reduce water and carbon. And with the birth of protein meat subsitutes, it's easier than ever to reduce your personal footprint.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: The saying never gets old. The less you consume, the more the planet wins, and what you use should keep giving in its current form or an all new one!