There are things everyone can do to fight global warming, no matter how difficult it may seem to solve this problem.\u00a0 Below is a great list of 20 things everyone can do, on their own, to fight global warming and pollution. \u00a0 This list is from another positive organization that makes a difference, the Evironnmental Defense Action Fund.\u00a0 The photo below is of the smoggy air over California, from Climate.gov, which illustrates one of the environmental problems that needs to be reversed.<\/p>\n
I was surprised when reading the list how people could do even more than the list suggests.\u00a0 For instance, don’t use a dishwasher at all.\u00a0 Hand wash and air dry as much as possible.\u00a0 Air dry your clothes too.\u00a0 I have added more suggestions after some of the items.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The average American today uses enough energy to release about 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide- the major contributor to global warming- per year.\u00a0 Here are 20 simple steps you can take to bring your average down. [this was originally written in 2007]\n <\/p>\n
1. Urge your United States Senators to support the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act.<\/p>\n
(Updated legislation summaries can be found here.)\n <\/p>\n
2. Run your dishwashwer only with a full load.\u00a0 Use the energy-saving setting to dry the dishes. Don’t use heat when drying.<\/p>\n
[Better idea -- hand wash and air or towel dry. Why use a dishwasher at all?]\n <\/p>\n
3. Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot.\u00a0 [Dry them outside if possible.]\n <\/p>\n
4. Turn down your water heater thermostat; 120 degrees is usually sufficent.<\/p>\n
5. Monitor the temperature in your home.\u00a0 Adjust your thermostat – lower in the winter and higher in the summer.<\/p>\n
[Use a fan or \"swamp cooler\" instead of an air conditioner.]\n <\/p>\n
6. Clean or replace air filters as recommended.<\/p>\n
7. Buy energy efficient compact flourescent bulbs for your most used lights.<\/p>\n
8. Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket (but only if the water heater is over five years old and has no internal insulation).<\/p>\n
[Better yet, get a solar powered hot water heater!]\n <\/p>\n
9. Install low-flow shower heads to use less hot water.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
10. Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to plug air leaks.<\/p>\n
[or get new windows installed that are more air-tight, if you can afford it.]\n <\/p>\n
11. Ask your utility company to conduct an energy audit to find out where your home is poorly insulated or energy inefficient.<\/p>\n
12. Whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool, or use mass transit.<\/p>\n
13. When time and budget permits, buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle- one that gets at least five more mpg than your old car.<\/p>\n
14. Reduce waste by buying minimally packaged goods; choosing reusable products over disposable ones.<\/p>\n
15. Request that the coolant be recycled every time your car air conditioner is serviced.<\/p>\n
16. Insulate your walls and ceilings to save about 25% on your home heating bills.<\/p>\n
17. If you [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There are things everyone can do to fight global warming, no matter how difficult it may seem to solve this problem.\u00a0 Below is a great list of 20 things everyone can do, on their own, to fight global warming and … Continue reading