Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? Why not resolve to do something to protect the planet this year in addition to other resolutions? Many of the suggestions below will save you money and/or benefit your health in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect the climate.

Green your ride
Transportation is the largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions in Alameda (54%), so it’s super important to drive your gasoline car less. Walk or ride your bike for shorter errands, take public transportation like AC Transit buses or the ferry for longer trips, carpool with friends to events, and make your next vehicle purchase an electric vehicle. Save money on gas and get in better shape with walking and biking.
Electrify your home
Residential natural gas is the next largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions in Alameda (21%). With Alameda Municipal Power electricity being 100% renewable, switching from gas appliances to electric ones reduces greenhouse gas emissions. So do your research now on heat pump furnaces and heat pump water heaters so you will be ready when it is time to replace your gas-powered ones. Replace your old gas-powered dryer with an electric one and your gas stove with an electric induction one. Although your electric bill will increase, your gas bill will decrease as these electric appliances are more efficient than gas-powered ones—so your overall power cost will be less. Business usage of natural gas makes up 10% of Alameda’s greenhouse gas emissions and they can save money by electrifying their appliances.
Check out the Alameda Municipal Power website to learn about electrification rebates. Alameda residents (who are gas customers of PG&E) can get free advice from BayREN, a public agency that provides support to homeowners about electrification.
Weatherize your home
Even before electrifying your home, you can weatherize it to lower gas and electricity usage, thereby lowering utility bills and protecting the environment. Think insulation, weather stripping around doors and windows, etc. Review my previous Alameda Post article on weatherization for lots of ideas.

Become a recycling and composting master
Solid waste makes up a smaller portion of Alameda’s greenhouse gas emissions at only 4%, but is an easy one to tackle. Check out my previous Alameda Post article on how to sort and go for it!
Transition to a more plant-based diet
Food emissions were not considered in the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan but they play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Check out my previous Alameda Post article on plant-based diets. Why not make a resolution to have meatless Mondays in 2025? After giving that a try, you can expand your plant-based diet to other days of the week and ease into it. You will save money on meat, it is better for your health, and it benefits the planet with fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less deforestation.
Plant a tree
Winter is prime time to plant a tree. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a prevalent greenhouse gas, and beautify our city. To request a street tree in front of your property, complete a request on See Click Fix, or simply plant one in your yard. You can also sign up as a volunteer with 100K Trees for Humanity to plant trees in Alameda Parks.
Share your climate protection actions
Talking about climate change and what you are doing about it with friends and family helps encourage others to take action as well. Be the tipping point! Share what you are doing and the benefits you are receiving when you take action to protect the climate. Download and distribute the Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) Climate Protection Checklist and Resource List for lots more ideas and resources to help you and your friends protect the climate.
Pick a couple of the above items and make them your 2025 resolutions for the planet. We’ve got this!
Joyce Mercado is an author and member of Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA). Her columns are collected at alamedapost.com/Joyce-Mercado. She can be reached at [email protected].