What-can-I-do?

Although the actions of our community as a whole make us a “Climate Smart Community,” individual actions can have a big impact.

Here’s a good webpage from the United Nations that summarizes some of the ways that we as individuals or businesses can mitigate climate change.

A brochure on protecting one’s home from flooding is here.

Here’s a quick-start guide to composting. There is also a variety of topics on composting on the Cornell Cooperative Extension site for Oneida County.

Cornell also has a Climate Smart Farming Program intended to help farmers manage climate risk. Habitat gardening can promote environmentally friendly, sound landscaping to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration, and establishment of native plant communities.

Here’s a Feb. 2023 article from the NY Times on How to Save Money and Fight Climate Change. “The new climate and tax law can bring big savings for anyone looking to buy an electric car or make their home more energy efficient.” A similar article from the Washington Post is here.

National Grid has an Electric Vehicle Hub that provides information on buying, leasing, and maintaining electric cars, including possible tax credits. They also sponsor a series of webinars that you can listen to live or after the fact. Or be even greener, and ride or donate a bike!

Heat Smart Mohawk Valley is a community-based education and group purchasing program for clean heating and cooling technologies, including geothermal. 

Recycling our waste can have a significant impact. Here is a description of the Village’s garbage collection and trash pick-up policy, including recycling guidelines. The Town’s guidance is here, and costs are detailed here. This site describes the New York State food waste regulations.

Hints to reduce plastic

Use reusable water bottles, drink tap water (use a water filter), refuse straws (carry metal ones), use mesh bags to package produce, use glass containers for leftovers, carry reusable bags (some can be rolled up for purse or pocket), buy bamboo utensils for picnics, refuse plastic bags when offered, bring your own take-out containers to restaurants

Laundry hints

Use cold water for most of the laundry. Do not use pods. They are covered with wax and are bad for the environment, your dishwasher and your washing machine. Small children tend to swallow them so they are also dangerous. Use liquid detergent in your machine. It works well with cold water. Try to buy concentrated detergent if you can find it and use less. One brand sells their liquid in paper-like containers that are easily recycled. If possible, hang your clothes on the line. It is good exercise and saves energy.

Solar Panels + Battery

A local resident describes the process of installing additional solar panels, plus, after “dithering,” a backup battery. This system enabled them to survive the power outage in June 2025 caused by the local tornadoes without losing power. So the backup battery was a good decision! See details here.