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In 2022, Congress passed the largest climate bill in U.S. history, the Inflation Reduction Act, carrying with it several incentives, investments, and climate goals set to help strengthen local economies, reduce carbon emissions, increase local green jobs, advance environmental justice, and make clean energy a reality in the present, not just the future. As we settle into 2023, join us in celebrating our collective impact toward securing a more sustainable future. Similarly, we challenge you to join us in committing to doing more in the year ahead. Consider incorporating goals and actions, no matter the size, to live more sustainably and keep us moving in the right direction.
Here are a few sustainable intentions for the new year:
Switch to an electric vehicle (EV).
As New York pushes toward its goal of 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in New York State continues to rise thanks to their economic benefits and environmental and ease-of-use benefits. If you are looking to switch to an EV this year, we’ve got your EV charging needs covered! Whether it’s for your home or business, we offer (and install) a variety of EV chargers to fit your needs and can help you maximize available incentives.
Switch to clean, local energy.
Want more energy independence? Want to reduce your carbon footprint/environmental impact? Want to save money? Explore going solar at your home or your business! The sun is the most abundant energy resource on Earth! Going solar is more accessible and cost-effective/affordable than ever before in New York State. GreenSpark offers both roof and ground-mounted solar, as well as battery storage. With over 20 years of experience, GreenSpark Solar can help you determine what solar solution generates the most energy and saves you the most money.
Save money.
If your goal is to save money this year in 2023, especially in light of the rising inflation and interest rates, going solar might be a path for you. Save money by going solar and investing in your home, not the utility company. Replace your energy bill with a solar payment—it will be the same every month and will pay for itself over time. Solar helps offset the rising cost of electricity, creating a greater sense of predictability and financial stability. In other words, as electric prices change, your solar costs remain flat – forever. All you have to do is watch your savings grow. Over the life of your solar energy system, you’ll see a drastic reduction, and often elimination, of your electric bill. Protect yourself from volatile energy costs and upcoming rate hikes while reducing your carbon footprint.
Through our partnership with the Clean Energy Credit Union, a values-driven lender, we offer industry-specific loans/financing opportunities to homeowners with some of the strongest rates available. When choosing a loan with the Clean Energy Credit Union, you can rest assured any interest paid on the loan will be reinvested into clean energy only. This differs from conventional banks, which take your interest and often invest in a broader range of industries, including fossil fuels.
Reduce your waste and impact by composting at your home or workplace.
New to composting or unsure how to start? Impact Earth offers residential and commercial composting services for Monroe County, NY, and beyond, making it very easy! Our workplace composts! Alternatively, check out this quick how-to guide from the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Recycling food and other organic matter into compost diverts waste away from landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves soil health, recycles nutrients, and more.
Shop local and small.
Support and strengthen your local community and economy by buying small and local whenever possible. When we shop local and small, a much greater portion of our money gets cycled back through our local economy. Check out more of the social, economic, and environmental benefits and impacts of buying local and small here.
GreenSpark prides itself on being a fiercely local, independently-owned business that is dedicated to strengthening our local community. We strive to be intentional about where and who we buy from in all areas of our company, and we invite you to join us on that mission. Learn more about the GreenSpark Difference. Want to inspire others to choose local, green energy? Take a Solar Ambassador Action and help spread the joy and benefit of solar!
Do what you can to support equity needs in your community.
Consider volunteering or donating to local community organizations working to address barriers and alleviate burdens facing members of our community. Identify an issue that moves you, research who is working on it locally, and inquire about how you can support it. Some local resources include Rochester’s Community Wishbook, Rochester Mutual Aid Network, and more. See if there’s a Color Your Community Green group where you live and consider getting involved in advancing climate solutions at the municipal and neighborhood levels.
Plant native flowers or plants in your yard this spring.
Read more about why this is important via the National Audubon Society. Check out this list of beautiful native plants to WNY via an Impact Earth blog.
Explore other energy-saving resources.
The New York Energy Advisor website is a centralized resource to help income-eligible New Yorkers explore ways to access energy-saving resources, determine eligibility for State and local energy efficiency programs, and increase the comfort of home.
Wherever you begin, know that your actions positively impact your community and move us toward a cleaner, brighter future.
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
— Signe Wenneberg
Interested in learning more about the different types of solar?
Give us a call at 585-265-2384 or fill out our form below!
