1. Urge the Department of Environmental Management, Governor O’Bannon, and state legislators to set strong mercury standards on coal-fired power plants. Write letters or call, asking them to support applying monitoring systems for mercury and strategies to reduce mercury emissions.
2. Ask decision-makers to support alternatives to burning coal. Natural gas is cleaner and can be used in current power plants with conversions that are relatively simple and inexpensive. Solar and wind energy, along with new technologies such as fuel cells, are ideal alternatives. State investments in these technologies could provide high paying jobs, boosting Indiana’s economy.
3. Support or invest in the use of clean energy or renewable energy. You can do this by choosing a "green power" option, like IPALCO’s, if offered by your utility. If "green power" is not offered, then call your utility and request that they provide it.
4. Follow the fish consumption advisories and encourage others to do so.
5. Educate yourself. Talk with people about the mercury problem. Have discussions about mercury in the environment, how it may affect you, your children, relatives, or friends.
6. Buy mercury-free products such as digital or alcohol thermometers, electric thermostats, and mercury-free light bulbs and batteries. For more information on products contact Paula Smith of IDEM Office of Pollution Prevention (800) 451-6027 press 0 and ask for extension 2-8172 or call (317) 232-8172. Website: www.state.in.us/idem/ctap/index.html
7. Dispose of mercury-containing waste properly. Participate in the Mercury Awareness Program in your county. Contact your local Solid Waste District to find out how and when to participate or call IDEM at the number above to get more information.
8. Conserve energy. Using less energy reduces reliance on coal-fired power plants and reduces emissions of mercury and other harmful pollutants. Energy efficiency reduces pollution and saves you money. Suggestions:
   1. Ask your employer to participate in EPA’s "Greenlights" program. This voluntary program helps businesses purchase energy efficient lighting.
   2. When purchasing electronics, look for the "Energy Star" that highlights energy efficient models.
9. Ask leaders and decision-makers to participate in regional efforts to control mercury in the Midwest. Indiana and other industrial, coal dependent states in the lower Midwest (Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois) should work together to develop a regional solution to this problem.
10. Appeal to power plants and industries to take steps to reduce mercury emissions by initiating conversion to cleaner energy (like IPALCO and the three Indiana steel companies have done).

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