It’s summer and yet it was raining cats and dogs last week. Oh yes, it’s summer but April has never been this hot! These apparent changes in the Earth’s day to day condition is caused by nothing but global warming.
Global warming is one of the most threatening environmental concerns that need our immediate attention. The life of every living thing on the planet is at stake. This may seem a big problem for a single person to handle but a collective action from each and every one of us could help rescue Mother Earth from imminent extinction. Below are some simple things we can do to help reduce global warming.
Reuse, Reduce and Recycle. Employing the 3Rs is the most basic way you can do to help save the earth. Reduce your waste by using reusable products. Use your creativity and resourcefulness to recycle non-biodegradable materials you use. This way, you can save the planet thousand pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Save and plant trees. Control your paper use. Less paper, less trees. And if you have time, grab your shovel and plant a tree. Trees use carbon dioxide in their food making process and convert the main culprit of global warming into an essential gas – oxygen.
Drive less. Almost half of the carbon dioxide emissions are from vehicles. Save the earth thousand pounds of carbon dioxide emission by walking and biking more. Avoid unnecessary trips and use mass transits or carpool if possible.
Be a smart driver. Burn less fuel and release less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by changing your driving habits. Avoid driving during rush hour, keep your car in good condition, and drive the speed limit.
Use energy efficient products. Using compact fluorescent light rather than incandescent ones saves energy. Remember to purchase appliances that have high energy efficiency ratings.
Conserve electricity. Turn-off unnecessary lights and appliances. Avoid prolonged use of television and computer.
Clean air-conditioning filters. Cleaning or replacing the air conditioning filters will help save energy and lessen the carbon dioxide emission.
Perform an energy audit. By doing so, you would be able to know which areas of your house uses much energy and you would know the areas that use energy unnecessarily.
Use renewable sources of energy. Investing in and using alternative sources of energy like the sun and the wind would help reduce the use of fossil fuel. Although the prices of the equipments are still high, laws of economics state that greater demand means lower price.
Influence and encourage others to help save the earth. Remember that more people working means more energy is saved.
Sources:
Eric Brennan. “10 Ways to Help Stop Global Warming.” (Posted on Nov. 2, 2006) Retrieved on April 13, 2011 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/78958/10_ways_to_help_stop_global_warming_pg3.html?cat=58
Skyler Raine. “How to Help Stop Global Warming.” (Posted on Aug. 31, 2009) Retrieved on April 13, 2011 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2108463/how_to_help_stop_global_warming.html?cat=7
Larry West. “Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming.” Retrieved on April 13, 2011 from http://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/tp/globalwarmtips.htm