Global Warming/Climate Change - what we can do about it

http://eartheasy.com/article_global_warming.htm

Climate Change is the most serious problem we face in the 21st
century. Future generations are depending on us to do whatever we can
to turn things around.

The Union of Concerned Scientists, a group of over two thousand
scientists, has concluded that global warming is beyond dispute, and
already changing our climate. The last 30 years have seen the warmest
surface temperatures in recorded history, and the NOAA has recently
predicted 2005 will be the warmest year on record.

Scientists have concluded that human activity, primarily the burning
of fossil fuels, is the major driving factor in global warming.
read: how global warming has developed
http://eartheasy.com/article_global_warming_background.htm

Global warming can be slowed, and stopped, with practical actions
that yield a cleaner, healthier atmosphere. The question is: will we
act soon enough. It is a matter of time.

"Many people don't realize that we are committed right now to a
significant amount of global warming and sea level rise," said Gerald
Meehl of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. "The longer we
wait to do something about it, the more change we will have."

Ultimately it is up to each of us, as individuals and families, to
take action to slow down and eventually reverse global warming
through everyday awareness of our energy use and attention to ways we
can conserve electricity and minimize fossil fuel usage.

What we can do

The goal is to bring global warming under control by curtailing the
release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping "greenhouse" gases
into the atmosphere.

We can contribute to this global cause with personal actions. Our
individual efforts are especially significant in countries like the
US and Canada, where individuals release 10,000 pounds of carbon
dioxide per person every year.

We can help immediately by becoming more energy efficient. Reducing
our use of oil, gasoline and coal also sets an example for others to
follow.

Reduce electricity usage around the home
The largest source of greenhouse gases is electric power generation.
The average home actually contributes more to global warming than the
average car. This is because much of the energy we use in our homes
comes from power plants which burn fossil fuel to power our electric
products.

To reduce the amount of electricity used in our homes:

switch to energy-efficient lighting - Replace the familiar
incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. For each CFL
bulb replacement, you'll lower your energy bill and keep nearly 700
pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air over the bulb's lifetime. CFL
bulbs last much longer and use only a quarter of the energy consumed
by conventional bulbs.
more info
http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm

improve the efficiency of home appliances - Home appliances vary
greatly in terms of energy-efficiency and operating costs. The more
energy-efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run. You can
lower your utility bill and help protect the environment.
here's how
http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeffic_appl.htm

buy energy-efficient appliances - When shopping for a new appliance -
especially a major appliance such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or
air-conditioner - select the one with the highest energy efficiency
rating. By opting for a refrigerator with the Energy Star label --
indicating it uses at least 15 percent less energy than the federal
requirement -- you can reduce carbon dioxide pollution by nearly a
ton in total.
more info
http://eartheasy.com/live_energyeffic_appl.htm

reduce energy needed for heating - According to the U.S. Department
of Energy, heating and cooling systems in the U.S. emit over a half
billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Much of
the energy used for heating our homes is wasted, and yet the
prevention is, in many cases, simple and inexpensive.
here's how
http://eartheasy.com/live_cheapheat.htm

reduce energy needed for cooling - Air conditioners alone use up to
1/6th of the electricity in the U.S. and, on hot summer days, consume
43% of the U.S. peak power load. You can reduce much of the need for
air conditioning, and enjoy a cost savings benefit, by using
'passive' techniques to help cool your home.
here's how
http://eartheasy.com/live_naturalcooling.htm

Improve vehicle fuel-efficiency
The second largest source of greenhouse gases is transportation.
Motor vehicles are responsible for about a third of all carbon
dioxide emissions in the U.S. and Canada.

practice fuel-efficient driving - Every gallon of gasoline burned
puts 26 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. You can boost
the overall fuel-efficiency of your car as much as 30% by simple
vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving.
read these tips for fuel-efficient driving
http://eartheasy.com/live_fuel_efficient_driving.htm

buy a fuel-efficient car - Even more important is the choice of car
or truck you buy. If you buy a new car that gets 10 more miles per
gallon than your old car, the amount of carbon dioxide reduction
realized in one year will be about 2,500 pounds. The new hybrid cars,
using efficient gas-electric engines, can cut global warming
pollution by 30% or more.
learn more about hybrid cars
http://eartheasy.com/live_hybrid_cars.htm

recycle air conditioner coolant - If your car has an air conditioner,
make sure you recycle its coolant whenever you have it serviced. You
can save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide each year by doing
this.

drive less - You'll save energy by taking the bus, riding a bike, or
walking. Try consolidating trips to the mall or longer routine
drives. Encourage car-pooling.

Conserve energy in the home and yard
Yard maintenance contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions.
Per hour of operation, a power lawn mower emits 10-12 times as much
hydrocarbon as a typical auto. A weedeater emits 21 times more and a
leaf blower 34 times more.

reduce lawn size - Lawn size can be reduced by adding shrubs, beds,
ground covers and mulched areas. Try creating a lawn area small
enough to be mowed using an efficient reel (push) mower. Lawn edging
can be set low enough to mow over, reducing or eliminating the need
for a weed-eater.
more info
http://eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_alternatives.htm

recycle whenever possible - aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines,
cardboard, glass - anything recycled reduces the energy needed to
create new products.
To find the recycling center nearest you, call: 1 800-CLEANUP

eat locally produced food - Today, the food choices available in
supermarkets come from all over the world. All of this 'traffic' in
food requires staggering amounts of fuel - generally by refrigerated
airplanes or transport trucks. Food transportation is one of the
fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
more info
http://eartheasy.com/article_food_cause_gas.htm

eat vegetarian meals - Vegetarian food requires much less energy to
produce. Enjoying vegetarian meals once or twice a week results in
significant CO2 savings.

paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a
dark color in a cold climate. This can contribute saving up to 5000
pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

choose clean energy options - If you can choose your electricity
supplier, pick a company that generates at least half its power from
wind, solar energy and other renewable sources.

buy clean energy certificates - Help spur the renewable energy market
and cut global warming pollution with "wind certificates" or "green
tags," which represent clean power you can add to the nation's energy
grid in place of electricity from fossil fuels.
more info
http://www.green-e.org/your_e_choices/trcs.html

While it may be difficult to adopt some of these suggestions, any
amount of energy saved is significant. Even small changes are
worthwhile, as they spark our awareness. As we become more aware of
the importance of saving energy, we find ways of saving where
possible.

Making energy conservation a part of our daily awareness is essential
to the goal of reducing global warming.