Be a Climate Consumer

Programs, products and services that help you reduce pollution, make better choices and save money

Pay-per mile and non-owner auto insurance

With Pay-per-mile (PPM) auto insura­nce, you can save money by driving less. It’s a win-win for you and for the environment. PPM turns insurance, a major fixed cost of auto ownership — nearly as much as fuel in a conventional gas-powered vehicle — into a variable cost that you control with your driving choices. Non-owner auto insurance is for people who don’t own a car but often rent or borrow them. It provides protection for when you are struck by an uninsured, under-insured or hit-and-run motorist. Some insurers’ coverage even extends to when you are cycling, walking or riding a scooter. Learn More

Parcel redirection services

One big change resulting from the recent pandemic is the increased number of delivery vans clogging America’s streets. Even pre-pandemic, the World Economic Forum was predicting that major cities would see a 36% rise in such vehicles by 2030 and a 32% increase in delivery-related emissions. Although we enjoy the convenience of rapid package shipment, it’s important, for the health of the planet, to reduce repeated delivery attempts. Fortunately, the two largest US shippers and Amazon have programs for recipients to arrange for redirection of their parcels to a locker or other secure facility. UPS My Choice, has both free and paid options. Fed Ex Delivery Manager is a free service that can also include tracking. Amazon Pickup, including Amazon Locker and Amazon Counter, provides free redirection of parcels to select Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh grocery stores, and other locations.

Climate risk assessment for your home

For most of us, our largest single investment is our home. As climate risks increase, it’s important to consider the dangers we face from a range of threats when buying or leasing a new dwelling. New online services now provide an instant, free risk assessment. Risk Factor, hosted by the nonprofit First Street Foundation, scans for flood, fire, heat and wind risk in the US. Climate Check, a private firm, uses data from government, academic and other public and institutional sources to rank threats from fire, flood, heat, drought and storms on a 1-100 scale. They evaluate properties in the US and in Canada.

Recycling information

Recycling can be challenge in many households and workplaces. We all know where to put frequently encountered material such as office paper, cans and glass bottles. But when it comes to less routine items including electronics, construction materials, paint and auto parts, most of us are at a loss. We feel guilty if we put such items in the trash, knowing they’ll end up in the landfill, but few of us have the time or energy to research better options. Thankfully, there is Earth 911, a comprehensive online directory that takes the guesswork out of finding better places to send such items. Categories include automotive, construction, glass, plastic, hazardous waste, metal, electronics paper and a range of household materials. Recommendations are specific to your region, and easily and privately accessed with your zip code.      

Mobile bicycle repair services

If you rely on your bike for daily commuting and critical errands, it’s a big deal when it’s broken. Getting a non-working bike to a shop that’s not nearby is a time-consuming hassle for those without access to a large vehicle. The good news is that mobile bike repair services are popping up all over North America. Many such services charge fees that are competitive with conventional bricks-and-mortar bike shops. Velofix, a company that operates in the US and Canada, connects you to local franchisees with well-equipped repair vans. Velotooler, a referral service, directs you to independent service providers across the nation who are happy to come to you. Working with these services, or a trusted mobile mechanic in your area, you’ll enjoy greater convenience and minimal interruption to your healthy and sustainable mobility routine.