Things You Can Do To Reduce Global Warming

With the Copenhagen Climate Summit fresh on our minds, it makes sense to think about how we, as individuals, can lessen global warming.  Given the global population numbers, small actions on the part of individuals can really make a difference globally!

Everything seems to hinge on the use of fossil fuels.  When burned, these carbon repositories release carbon dioxide, water vapor and possibly other Greenhouse Gases into the air.  These gases act much like the windows on a greenhouse, letting in sunlight but trapping the energy that the sunlight produces once it absorbed by the ground or things on the ground (e.g., roofs, cars, sand).

So, the best way to reduce global warming would seem to hinge on using less fossil fuel (gasoline in cars and less electricity at home).  But, can one really do this without sacrificing necessary actions and activities?

Of course you can!  It just takes a bit of creativity and determination.  And, you might even save some “greenbacks” while lessening global warming.

Just be sure that what you do doesn’t have any hidden, unintended negative consequences. 

One of the easiest things to do to reduce the use of fossil fuel and help prevent global warming is to open your home whenever temperature, humidity levels and breezes allow.  You can also use ceiling fans.  In addition to “breathing fresh air,” you would be amazed at the energy savings these two simple actions can produce.  You’ll see it in your bank account.  But the atmosphere will likely have just a bit less carbon dioxide.  Likely was chosen because all home electricity is not produced by burning fossil fuel.  It’s important to recognize that.

Programmable thermostats help control energy usage, as well.  You can set temperatures differently while you are at work, and have them return to your desired comfort level just before you are scheduled to arrive home. Many programmable thermostats allow for different settings weekdays and weekends; some even allow for different schedules every day of the week.

If you have an outside kitchen or barbecue grill that operates on natural gas or propane, this may make more sense to use than your kitchen cooktop or oven (unless its wintertime and its really cold outside).  Otherwise you heat your kitchen and have to run the air conditioning to cool down your home.  There’s also a health benefit to outdoor cooking.  Usually you do less frying and more grilling!

Have you heard about “phantom” energy loss, yet?  This is the constant, albeit small, electricity drain that takes place whenever electric appliances, even phone charges, are plugged into an outlet.  Don’t try to unplug all your appliances all the time, but at least keep this in mind and unplug some, like cell phone charges, when they are not in use.

And for your computer, either shut it off at night or at least place it sleep mode.

You can also save energy, pollute less and prevent global warming when it comes to your car.  Organize your trips to avoid doubling back.  Create a route that minimizes the number of miles driven.  Use experience to avoid congested traffic intersections, even if it means driving a slight extra distance.  Keep tires properly inflated and balanced and keep your car tuned and in proper alignment.  Change air filters at least once every six months, especially if you live in a dusty area, near a beach with salt spray in the air, or in an area with lots of construction.  Any type of fine particle in the air can clog filters and mess up your car’s energy efficiency causing you to burn more fossil fuel.

When the “clunker” is ready for its last ride, think about a more energy efficient car.  But keep in mind price.  Some of the very eco-friendly cars, while savings lots in gasoline costs, do come with significantly higher price tags.  

Of course, if you live in a place with reliable and easy-to-use mass transit, you can probably really save big bucks and make an environmentally friendly contribution (less global warming thanks to less burning of fossil fuel) by using it.  You’ll also have time to read a book, do some crossword puzzles and even enjoy the comics.

For more information please go to Fossil Fuel.