Rochester is making headlines and for one of the best possible reasons. The local region is one of the only two areas across the nation to successfully reduce cars’ carbon dioxide emissions since 1990. Emissions per person decreased as well. That’s no small feat — especially in a study of 100 total metropolitan areas.

Even better, the city and its residents are committed to lowering their environmental impact, and their efforts do not end with the aforementioned emissions. In fact, those reduced emissions are just the beginning.

Find out what plans Rochester homeowners have in store to continue lowering their carbon footprint.

Local Homeowners Embrace Solar Power

Solar power has incredible potential. Currently, in the U.S., solar power eliminates up to 70 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Without that solar energy, you would have to plant 1.2 billion trees to achieve the same effect.

Although New York State and Rochester are not necessarily the sunniest of places, solar power remains an important source of renewable energy. USA Today quotes a spokeswoman from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority: “[Solar power] plays an important part in New York state’s diversified renewable energy portfolio, which was created to reduce electricity use from fossil fuels and increase the amount of electricity from renewable sources.”

Those who install solar panels on their homes stand to save hundreds on their utility bills. The government offers tax and monetary incentives as well — with a few lucky homeowners possibly even qualifying for free solar panels on or near their homes.

Rochester Comes Together As A Community To Improve Homes’ Energy Efficiency

The City of Rochester allots up to $1 million to improve the energy efficiency and health of its residents. This initiative is called the Rochester Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Climate Fund, or RENEW.

Homeowners who qualify for assistance under RENEW may receive a free energy audit, access to clean cooling and heating technologies, and free or low-cost improvements, like emergency repairs, lead paint removal, insulation, hot water heaters, and furnaces. After improvements, the average household pays 20% less in energy bills. Plus, the group’s efforts thus far have reduced local emissions by 3,400 plus tons.

Find out more about RENEW to see if you qualify for assistance, or visit their website to make a donation and contribute to the cause.

What Do “Green” Renovations Look like?

Even small kitchen remodels are a worthwhile investment earning homeowners an average return of 82.7%. These days, Rochester homeowners are going into renovations and home improvement projects not only looking at potential resale value but also looking to lower their carbon footprints. Here are some ways Rochester homeowners are beautifying and/or improving their homes while doing their part to save the planet, too.

  • Installing energy-efficient appliances. “By replacing a pre-1994 washer with a new Energy Saver model, the average family of four can save about $110 per year on utility bills,” Fox Business writes. Homeowners can swap out old dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and humidifiers for newer, energy-saving models.
  • Choosing low-flow faucets. When replacing kitchen and bathroom cabinets, many homeowners are also making a point to replace sinks and faucets, too — and with low-flow alternatives. By installing low-flow fixtures, homeowners have the potential to cut water use by as much as 60%, according to Bob Vila.
  • Purchasing recycled materials. Speaking of cabinets, another way to make home renovations eco-friendly is to choose recycled or reclaimed materials. Install cabinets made out of reclaimed wood, or choose materials like glass or bamboo for alternative environmentally friendly option.
  • Investing in new technologies. Rochester researchers want to make it possible for homeowners to measure emissions without fuss and without leaving their own backyards. While this technology is still in the works, local scientists endeavor to create a low-cost tool using 3D printing that will enable homeowners to get an accurate reading of their emissions in the coming years and take action to reduce them before measuring emissions again the next month.

Making A Difference With Everyday Items, And Particularly With What’s In The Fridge

Finally, many Rochester homeowners know that reducing emissions and lowering their carbon footprint does not necessarily have to entail a major undertaking, like installing solar panels or making improvements to their homes. Instead, homeowners can start small and make a big difference simply by paying careful attention to the everyday items they buy and the food they put in their fridge.

To keep your environmental impact at a minimum, choose reusable bags for grocery shopping. Choose items — including everyday, household items, and bigger items, like new cabinets — with as little packaging as possible, or look for companies that use recycled paper and plastic in their packaging. Choose household items carefully. It is best to invest in durable, long-lasting items for your home instead of buying cheap items that you will have to replace over and over again. Finally, dress the part! Shop for second-hand clothes or do your research on the most sustainable brands and fabrics. Donate clothes you no longer wear.

What’s more, Rochester residents can make a big impact by choosing vegan and vegetarian food items whenever possible. Nearly 20% — 18% — of harmful greenhouse gases start with livestock production. Specifically, that breaks down to 65% nitrous dioxide, 37% methadone, and 9% carbon dioxide. Buy vegetarian or vegan, and you will be doing your part to reverse that trend. Choose hearty grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables whenever possible. Meat-lovers can start making gradual swaps by scheduling a few vegetarian or vegan meals per week or substituting red meat (associated with the most emissions) with chicken or lamb.

Rochester is leading the nation in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. That lead can be attributed to new cars, hybrid and electric cars, and driving comparatively less than other major metropolitan cities, like New York City and Washington, DC — at least for now. A growing number of Rochester homeowners are stepping up to do their part, and, following the examples above, you can, too.