Zero Emissions Day

Zero Emissions Day, or ZeDay, was created to give the planet a day without fossil fuels and carbon emissions each year. The worldwide movement aims to raise awareness of the enormous amount of fossil fuels our planet uses on a day-to-day basis. Zero Emissions Day encourages people around the world to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change through more sustainable practices.

When is Zero Emissions Day?

Zero Emissions Day happens every year on September 21, the fall or autumn equinox, one of the two days a year when the Northern and Southern Hemispheres receive equal amounts of light.

What are the Rules of Zero Emissions Day?

• Don’t use or burn oil, gas, or coal.
• Minimize or eliminate the use of electricity generated by fossil fuels.
• Don’t put anyone in harm’s way; all essential and emergency services operate normally.

How Can I Participate in Zero Emissions Day?

• Ride a bike or walk instead of driving your car. Cycling is one of the most efficient forms of transportation. If you can’t completely cut your car out of your daily routine, consider carpooling or taking public transportation. Some areas will halt multiple forms of transportation. Research participation for your area and plan ahead to ensure the day will not interrupt your commute.
• Eat the food stored in the refrigerator and freezer prior to turning off your power for the day. Avoid going grocery shopping for refrigerated foods right before ZeDay. Instead, purchase food from your local farmers’ market. Locally produced items do not have to travel on planes, buses, or trains to get to you.
• Purchase used pre-owned items (like a table or lamp), and reuse and recycle items from your home.
• Minimize your electricity use unless it comes from a renewable energy source, such as solar or wind power.
• Make it fun by cooking over a fire and enjoying outdoor activities.
• Enjoy the simplicity and easy living of the day by not turning on light switches and appliances.
• Enroll your home’s energy supply in ECO-Advantage^TM, which matches 100% of your electricity usage with national Green-e® Energy certified, wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

Does Reducing Emissions Really Make an Environmental Impact?

Yes, cutting emissions to reduce your carbon footprint makes a difference in air quality and in the fight against climate change. Improving sustainability in daily life, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and supporting renewable energy sources are all ways we can make meaningful change.

The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, which shows the equivalencies for energy-related emissions reductions so each individual can see their impact as it relates to their lifestyle.

Some of the different categories include: 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions From:

• Number of passenger vehicles driven for one year

• Miles driven by an average passenger vehicle

CO² Emissions From:

• Gallons of gasoline consumed

• Homes’ energy use for one year

• Propane cylinders used for home barbecues

• Number of smartphones charged

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Avoided By:

• Tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled

• Wind turbines running for a year

• Incandescent lamps switched to LED

Carbon Sequestered By:

• Tree seedlings grown for ten years

• Acres of US forests preserved from conversion to cropland in one year

Are You Ready to Give the Planet a Day Without Fossil Fuel on September 21?

Want to learn more about going green? Check out our information on renewable energy or enroll today!

Sources:
CNN
RecycleBank
Science Cycling
ZeroEmissionsDay.org
Plastic Pollution Coalition

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