Excess greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere are damaging the environment that all human beings share. Governments are slowly coming to realize that they need to take steps to become “carbon neutral” but most are a long way from that goal. We can’t wait for nations to change their behavior. It will never happen until individuals realize the importance of the issue and take action.
Every single person on the planet can do something about global warming. You can make changes at a personal level without feeling that you have given up anything. Limit your carbon footprint by doing things only slightly differently each day. This can make a big difference as more people join in. Many Earth-friendly, power-saving changes will also allow you to keep more money in your pocket.
Save the Environment While Saving Money – At Home
Change your light bulbs. Not just when they burn out. Exchange any incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents. You will use only 30% of the energy and still get just as much light.
Look for the Energy Star logo. The symbol designates appliances that are energy-efficient. If you purchase only those that are certified, you may pay more initially for these items. Over time, however, you’ll save on energy bills while helping the environment.
Adjust your home thermostat. Try keeping the house a few degrees warmer in summer and cooler in winter. Chances are you will never notice the difference if you put on a sweater or keep a glass of ice tea at your side. You will notice those lower utility bills as you lower your impact on the environment.
Unplug appliances. Many electronics and small appliances merely go on “stand-by” when switched off. This means they could still be using energy. Your TV, for example, uses a quarter of its total energy while it’s “off.” Take a moment to unplug these energy-stealers when you are not using them.
Use “green” energy. Look for clean energy options in your community and ask your power company what is available. Solar energy systems for the home are an option in most parts of the country and wind power is used increasingly. Departments of water and power across the country are sourcing some of their power from alternative means, mostly due to political pressure. Encourage your municipal power company to use methane gas (from landfills for example), geothermal and hydroelectric sources. Some cities offer credit to homeowners for “green” activities such as replacing their lawn with succulent plants that look good but require little water.
Out and About
Park the car. You’ll be a lot healthier if you walk or take your bicycle on errands, and so will the earth. CO2 levels go way down if you cut your use of the car by 20 miles weekly. Over the course of a year, you will save nearly a thousand pounds of carbon dioxide this way. Your car will hold onto its value longer and need less maintenance if you leave it in the garage more often. Not to mention the savings at the gas pump. Use rideshare options to get to work when possible and enjoy your new fit figure.
Get tune-ups. Make sure you keep your car in good running condition by taking care of it. This is just another way to reduce emissions when you do need to get behind the wheel.
Re-Use and repair. Don’t just toss items out if they can be fixed, and keep them out of the trash and landfills. Use and re-use your own canvas grocery bags and avoid the plastic disposables.
Use the recycle bin. Keeping unnecessary items out of the landfill and allowing them to be re-used as raw materials is very earth-friendly. Make sure to recycle toxic items like motor oil properly and safely according to the rules in your area.
Refill that bottle. Re-use your water bottles. You’ll avoid contributing to carbon emissions spewed from trucks transporting bottled water to your local store. Manufacturing the bottles requires energy that is not really necessary in most cases. If coffee is your thing, purchase a re-usable travel mug and tote your home-made brew. Or hand it across the counter for refills when you are at your local coffee bar. Some establishments will give you a small rebate for doing this, rather than using a disposable cup.
Support the local farmer’s market. Buying locally allows you to know more about how your food was processed and it will definitely be fresher. Truck emissions, from the mammoth vehicles hauling much of our food, are some of the worst polluters. Do your part to keep them off the road – and eat fresh and healthy.
Pay your share. Bring your carbon emissions to “zero” by buying carbon offsets. Your emissions will never reach zero because at the very least you must breathe. Even this emits CO2. Offset dollars are used to pay for environmental projects targeting greenhouse gasses and related issues – and can balance your carbon output. Various resources will help you figure your total carbon footprint. Then you can purchase the right amount of offsets from a vendor of your choice to become truly carbon neutral. This one may not save you money – but it will be worth it.
Vote. Support environmental issues and carbon-aware candidates in local and national elections. You can also vote with your wallet by avoiding products that waste energy and buying those that are gentle to the environment.
Global emissions are a world-wide problem that’s getting worse every day. Luckily there is a world-wide solution as well, if we all take action in small ways. Pick a few of these simple tips and make them part of your life today.
This has been a guest post from Jeff Woods. In addition to sustainability issues Jeff writes about his passion, fly fishing at flypatterns.org
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