# Most effective personal climate change moves **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 29, 2023, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309 "2023-08-29T19:39:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2023, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/1 "2023-08-29T19:39:39Z")
WaPo has an article on the personal climate change actions and how they’re perceived. (gift link) > **[You’re doing it wrong: Recycling and other myths about tackling climate change](https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/08/28/climate-action-poll/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNjkzMjgxNjAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNjk0NjYzOTk5LCJpYXQiOjE2OTMyODE2MDAsImp0aSI6IjM2ODViMDhmLWNmMGUtNDkzYy04MTIyLWY4YWNhZWEyN2VjNSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9jbGltYXRlLXNvbHV0aW9ucy8yMDIzLzA4LzI4L2NsaW1hdGUtYWN0aW9uLXBvbGwvIn0.tYYBWL69SqI7F8RnbsND7lb00vu8PnBZeOtB4Q1jzxg&itid=gfta)** > > Most Americans think their actions can help fight climate change, but they’re not always right on which are the most effective, according to a Post/UMD poll. Synopsis: the most effective things are reducing flying and reducing the amount of red meat and dairy in your diet. Getting an EV, installing solar panels and a heat pump in your house are also good moves. Recycling and replacing your gas stove with an electric won’t do much. I disagree to some extent on that last item. Replacing a gas stove, if combined with replacing all other gas appliances (furnace, hot water heater and clothes dryer, if you have them), would mean you’ve completely de-natural-gassed your house and you can then tell the gas company to shut off the gas line leading to your house. Gas appliances and the pipes that feed them leak a small amount of unburnt methane all the time, even if not in use. So if they can shut off the line before it gets to your property, that’s all for the better. Now this may not work as well as one would hope. I don’t know the details of natural gas distribution, but it’s quite possible that they can’t shut off just your gas without also shutting off the neighbor’s. You might have to convince the entire neighborhood to go gas-free. But at least it’s worth a shot. Previous thread on a similar topic: > [@What are you personally willing to give up to combat Climate Change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-you-personally-willing-to-give-up-to-combat-climate-change/976906/): > > There was recently a quiz in the NYT which compared lifestyle changes Americans thought would have a positive effect on climate change versus what actually would. The results showed an inverse relationship, as well as some confusion between addressing other environmental problems, and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the NYT, the following, though upvoted, all have a “small effect”: recycling lowering the room temperature energy efficient appliances buying fewer things car pooling t… Personally, I’ve reduced my carbon footprint almost as much as possible for somone who doesn’t own their own home. I won’t go into details unless someone really wants to hear them. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/2 "2023-08-30T09:05:04Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > I won’t go into details unless someone really wants to hear them. I have some interest in that, perhaps others do as well. ---
**Author:** ![Shalmanese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/3 "2023-08-30T09:35:13Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > You might have to convince the entire neighborhood to go gas-free. But at least it’s worth a shot. Which, again, points to the importance of systematic action over individual choices. Regulations that prohibit the installation of gas into new builds means the gas company doesn’t have to bother laying down pipes into new builds which saves a ton of infrastructure & maintenance costs. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/4 "2023-08-30T16:11:50Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I have some interest in that, perhaps others do as well. OK. I haven’t owned a car since 2016. Nor do I use mass transit except occasionally, but rather bicycle everywhere. The only times I use the light rail is when my bike is in the shop. I’ve been a vegetarian since 1995, although at first I did eat fish. I stopped even eating fish about 10 years later. I do eat dairy, but stopped consuming milk last winter after reading about oat milk here on the Dope. My only dairy now is yogurt. I only use cold water when washing stuff, including clothes and dishes. Even shower in cold water two or three months of the year, although that’s because it’s more comfortable in hot weather. > [@Shalmanese](#): > > Regulations that prohibit the installation of gas into new builds means the gas company doesn’t have to bother laying down pipes into new builds which saves a ton of infrastructure & maintenance costs. The gas companies fight those regulations. I believe some of them got ruled unconstitutional in the last year or so, unfortunately. However, I understand there are some subdevelopers who don’t have gas run to their developments for the cost savings you mention. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/5 "2023-08-30T17:08:45Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > OK. I haven’t owned a car since 2016. Nor do I use mass transit except occasionally, but rather bicycle everywhere. The only times I use the light rail is when my bike is in the shop. Interesting. Where do you live that that is a viable means of getting around all year? ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/6 "2023-08-30T17:22:30Z")
Hillsboro OR. I don’t like to ride in the rain, but will do it if necessary. I can’t ride in snow, but it doesn’t snow here enough to keep me from going to the grocery store. I’m retired, so going to work is not an issue. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/7 "2023-08-30T18:19:28Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > Synopsis: the most effective things are reducing flying and reducing the amount of red meat and dairy in your diet. Getting an EV, installing solar panels and a heat pump in your house are also good moves. Recycling and replacing your gas stove with an electric won’t do much. The problem, of course, is that reducing how much you fly and how much meat you eat both make your life less pleasant. (Assuming you are currently flying and eating meat because you like to travel and you like eating meat.) Recycling and getting a fancy new inductive stove are lifestyle neutral (recycling) or wins (the stove). Same with getting an EV. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/8 "2023-08-30T18:32:07Z")
On the other hand, getting an EV or a fancy new inductive stove costs more than many people can afford, while reducing how much you fly saves money. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/9 "2023-08-30T18:41:20Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > Gas appliances and the pipes that feed them leak a small amount of unburnt methane all the time, even if not in use. What is the source of this claim? ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/10 "2023-08-30T18:45:17Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > The only times I use the light rail is when my bike is in the shop. How does your use or non use of light rail affect the climate? The trains are running regardless. I guess you should say that everyone should bike and stop using mass transit, but I doubt that’s realistic. > [@dtilque](#): > > My only dairy now is yogurt. No cheese? That’s hard core (unless you don’t like cheese) Your other decisions do seem to be commendable and effective. (not owning a car, using cold water, vegetarian, etc) ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/11 "2023-08-30T19:01:25Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > > [@dtilque](#): > > > > Gas appliances and the pipes that feed them leak a small amount of unburnt methane all the time, even if not in use. > > What is the source of this claim? Mostly, it’s a study that this newspaper article reported on (gift link): > **[Did I Turn Off the Stove? Yes, but Maybe Not the Gas (Published 2022)](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/climate/gas-stoves-methane-emissions.html?unlocked_article_code=eYPBgBAuY7Tx7pCQHH6gn5Rz1pBHkB-zff7gZR5xDhB7H39TEeO1c1kfadXyFQ6PSoRcEMLIQfOyU0J5hRQ9qkPHxeeTJwhn06jQvR1L61Dy1q94TTYb6gBY66CrQwpDbN4My2x0J1hk77fECU805VZRP8cfnLtBP4TUvC0KZo_har-JRuFbdHvXWptnaJENHaMEUQNxj09rsybRn5I5bLbsplZEgLL8Tf0NLss6Z9F6Dk4N0HkyrFIyW2htY1Bxda3pX7AYYPnM-fLtF49Hfuv8dST1SF-URu-GrwM9m3ixqliO93qh10-AGdbSS-SojzM94NF4BGH9I8vLdj-owXnKf1T1LfI&smid=url-share)** > > New research finds that gas stoves emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, even when turned off and adds to the debate over electrifying homes. > [@](#): > > “It’s almost an inevitable byproduct of the natural gas supply chain,” Dr. Jackson said. “Every coupling, every fitting, has the potential to leak, especially over time as the stoves sit there for years.” ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/12 "2023-08-30T19:19:53Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > How does your use or non use of light rail affect the climate? The trains are running regardless. I guess you should say that everyone should bike and stop using mass transit, but I doubt that’s realistic. The light rail non-use doesn’t really affect the climate, or does so in a really minuscule way. So that’s not really part of reducing my carbon footprint. But I live in a distant suburb which are notoriously difficult to be a non-car owner in. I manage even without using mass transit. In fact, I’m not even sure how I’d get to the two grocery stores I go to by light rail or bus. I’ve never done it, so I’d have to look up the nearest stops. And no, I don’t think everyone should bicycle instead of using mass transit. The roads would be too crowded with other bikes. 🙂 > [@Procrustus](#): > > > [@dtilque](#): > > > > My only dairy now is yogurt. > > No cheese? That’s hard core (unless you don’t like cheese) I like cheese just fine. Before becoming a vegetarian, I only ate cheese as part of some other dish, such as cheeseburgers and sandwiches. When I became a vegetarian, I stopped eating those dishes. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/13 "2023-08-30T19:21:42Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > When I became a vegetarian, I stopped eating those dishes. Pizza? You gotta have pizza. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/14 "2023-08-30T19:25:30Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Pizza? You gotta have pizza. Oh, you’re right. About once every couple-three months, I do order a pizza. And it has cheese on it. I’d forgotten about that. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2023, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/15 "2023-08-30T22:21:42Z")
I have a car, but have only bought gas four times in the past year. Almost all of my transportation is by bicycle. And that’s in Cleveland: If it’s viable here, it’s viable anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2023, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/16 "2023-08-31T01:43:54Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > “It’s almost an inevitable byproduct of the natural gas supply chain,” Dr. Jackson said. “Every coupling, every fitting, has the potential to leak, especially over time as the stoves sit there for years.” Perhaps a potential, but in my experience, leaking gas fittings become ignited. I’ve not noticed spontaneous fires in the neighborhood. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2023, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/17 "2023-08-31T01:53:00Z")
Also, everyone mentions that methane is a much stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, but nobody mentions that it doesn’t last nearly as long. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2023, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/18 "2023-08-31T02:53:44Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Also, everyone mentions that methane is a much stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, but nobody mentions that it doesn’t last nearly as long But it breaks down by combining with oxygen to make CO2 (and H2O, but that’s not important). It still contributes to climate change even after it’s gone. ---
**Author:** ![Shalmanese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2023, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/19 "2023-08-31T05:17:14Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Perhaps a potential, but in my experience, leaking gas fittings become ignited. I’ve not noticed spontaneous fires in the neighborhood. Over 100,000 metric tons of methane/ethane leaked from [Aliso Canyon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aliso_Canyon_gas_leak) in 2015 and none of it ignited. There needs to be a fairly specific concentration of fuel to air for it to burn (called the stoichiometric ratio )and it’s very unlikely for it to occur naturally when there’s a gas leak. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2023, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309/20 "2023-08-31T06:00:56Z")
I feel better. Been a vegetarian since 1986, when I was 19. Don’t recycle regularly, because apartment living doesn’t make it easy if your landlord doesn’t have recycle pick-up. Looking into an EV or hybrid, but that’s more concern for air quality (and gas prices) that specifically about global warming. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-effective-personal-climate-change-moves/989309.md?page=2)