10 of the Easiest Things You Can Do to Stop Global Warming
1. Adjust Your Home Temperature by Two Degrees ~
Simply turn your heat down by two degrees in the winter and put on a sweater! In the summer, just turn your thermostat up by two degrees! Recommended temperature setting for saving energy is 81 degrees. Depending on where you live in the world, there are some other helpful summer hints available to save money and energy.

2. Change the Light Bulbs to CFLs ~
Using compact fluorescent light bulbs, referred to as CFLs, will not only substantially help reduce our annual consumption of energy and the carbon dioxide released into our atmosphere, but will also save you a lot of money! A CFL light bulb will cost about $2.60. It will last up to 10 times longer and use about 75% less energy.

3. Bathe with Someone You Love ~
As wonderful as it is to soak in a warm tub, it also wastes a lot of water. It is predicted that “global warming” will increase water shortages in the near future. You’ll use one-third less water by taking a shower, and if you cut your shower by just one minute you can save more than 500 gallons of precious water every year.

If you just have to have that warm bath at the end of the day, fill the tub with natural, aromatherapy bubble bath (lavender for relaxation), light a candle or two, turn off the lights and pour yourself and someone you love a glass of wine and bathe together! You’ll relax, save on water, and have a romantic time! A great way to better relationships by taking quality time with that special someone!

4. Plant Green ~
Did you know that a single tree can supply enough oxygen for two people for their whole lives?

5. Walk, Walk, Walk ~
Need we say more! Walking or riding a bicycle is not only good for the environment, it provides excellent exercise for your body and peace to your soul. Walking or riding on a regular basis is not only healthy for the heart, if one million people replaced a five-mile car trip with a healthy walk or bike ride at least once a week, Mother Earth would get in shape too with carbon dioxide emissions reduced by about 100,000 tons every year. You’ll both lose inches !

6. Choose Your Energy ~
This one is really easy! Just call your energy company and ask them if they offer
any alternative energy use possibilities. Over 600 energy companies in the U.S. have the ability to offer their customers “green power alternatives ” like wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, or landfill gas.

7. Look for Biodegradable and Natural Products ~
Did you know that our homes typically contain over 60 hazardous products that together contain hundreds of dangerous man-made chemicals? Since the 1950s we have literally introduced over 17,000 new chemical ingredients into our homes, hidden in everything from the mousse and deodorant we use for our bodies to the dishwashing detergent that cleans the dishes we eat on.

8. Bank Online ~
It’s time to join the twenty-first century and become a “with–it ” world member by paying your bills online. Most banks offer this service free of charge. If yours doesn’t, find another bank. It’s convenient, easy, and safe and just think of all the time and gas you’ll save.

9. Close the Doors & Open the Windows ~
How often have you found yourself staring into the refrigerator trying to decide what to eat while all the cold air rushes pass you? Or, have you ever carried on a conversation with a friend or a neighbor with your front door cracked open, letting all the warm air inside escape out into the winter sky? We all do it and yet it is a terrible waste of energy.

Not to fret, this is one of the easiest new “energy behaviors ” to change. Just be mindful and observant of your and your family’s behaviors. Shut the doors when the heat or A/C is running and open them and your windows when the weather is beautiful. You’ll enjoy the fresh air and allow toxins from inside your home to escape, making your home environment healthier and safer for your family and your pets.

10. Only Do Full Loads ~
Save on water and energy by making sure you are doing only full loads of dishes or laundry. Most dishwashers today have an energy saving selection: use it.

Visit www.keepingmyearthgreen.com for more great tips and fun, interactive activities for the whole family to learn and enjoy together.

First of all, get educated and make a plan. Commit to that plan and then share what you’ve learned with your family, friends, and neighbors. You’ll not only save the planet, you’ll also save money and most importantly, you’ll save your own health and the health and safety of those you care about.

The “Keeping My Earth Green” trilogy is a video and E-book series designed to share with you the very easiest things you and your family can do at home, at work, at school, at play, and while you’re out and about to save Mother Earth, save money, improve your own health and safety, better your family relationships, and have more fun in your life!

We must all work together to save Mother Earth! Little steps you take today, multiplied by millions from others can have a profound effect.
http://www.articlealley.com

Global Warming: 4 Tips To Help Slow it Down Posted: May 14th, 2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 77 Global Warming is happening, and it's up to us to stop it. Every time we step into our car to run an errand, or buy take out for supper, we are adding to the affects our world's over consumption of fossil fuels is having on the environment. Global Warming isn't just about adding a few degrees to the world's overall temperature. It's about melting ice caps that will slowly erode some of the world's most fertile farmlands, making growing the food the world consumes harder and harder. It's about people displaced in places like London, New York and Bangkok, because of rising ocean waters that will flood most low-lying homelands across the globe. And it's about the spread of what were once inoculate diseases to the western world, like malaria and TB, as insects which thrive on higher temperatures continue to breed and spread diseases at a faster rate. Global warming affects everyone. And it'll take a little work from everyone across the globe to get it under control. It's no longer "their" problem. It's ours. Here are 4 things we can all do help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being released (and trapped), into our atmosphere every minute of every day: 1) Conserve Electricity. There are dozens of ways every person on earth can conserve electricity every day - without interfering with the way we live our lives: -Turn off lights, appliances, TV's and computers when not in use. One computer monitor left on overnight uses enough energy to print more than 5,000 copies. -Buy only energy efficient appliances. -Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. -Wrap your water heater and keep the temperature at 130 degrees or lower. -Install a programmable thermostat. -Turn off the AC and open the doors and windows. -Replace traditional light bulbs with newer, long lasting and energy efficient varieties. 2) Save Water. Everyday precious fresh water resources are lost to laziness and neglect. Help save the world's water supplies by: -Put a plastic bottle full of water inside your toilet tank. Toilets use between 3-5 gallons of water with every flush. By eliminating some room in the tank with the bottle, you'll save up to 1 gallon of water every time it's flushed. -Fix leaky pipes and drippy faucets right away. -Wash only full loads of laundry. -Collect and use rain water to water plants, feed animals and wash outdoor furniture and cars. 3) Recycle and Reuse. It can take 5 years for a cardboard milk container to biodegrade in a landfill. Try these recycling tips to help save the earth: -Fill those community-recycling buckets. Check with your municipality to see what types of items they offer recycling pickup for, and then kick all of your newspaper, magazines, junk mail and assorted paper products out to the curb. Don't forget about your household plastics, aluminum and cardboard. -Stop buying disposal utensils, plates, napkins and cups. Use washable items and save a ton of landfill space, as well as money. -Reuse food containers such as mayonnaise jars, coffee cans, even those cute little plastic baby food containers. They're great for storing leftovers and other small items. 4) Go Green. Get back into nature by: -Plant a backyard garden or a few trees at the neighborhood park. -Switch to all-natural cleaning supplies. -Start a compost pile in your backyard or with a group of neighbors. Buy organic. -Eat only fresh fruits and vegetables. It'll save on packaging waste.

Things we can do to Slow down Global Warming

Global Warming is in the news almost everyday - in newspapers and on television news broadcasts - around the world. Extreme weather conditions and climatic changes that are experienced across the globe have indeed become concerns of great proportion. Scientific records, in fact, indicate that the last 15 years have seen the 10 warmest years ever recorded on Earth. And in some countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia, people are seeing a trend that is now cause for worry - the periods between the occurrences of the El Nino phenomenon are becoming shorter and shorter. El Nino is an abnormal warming of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean (as opposed to the La Nina phenomenon which is characterized by below normal sea temperatures). A few decades ago in the Philippines, for example, the periods between El Nino's used to be 5 to 10 years. "The intervals have become much shorter now - down to 3 years", according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. More instances of El Nino will mean more hot and dry spells for that country, causing drought on land and the destruction of coral reefs in the seas.

Worldwide climatic changes are linked to increasing levels of greenhouse gases, so called because they form a shield around the earth like a greenhouse, trapping the sun's heat. Most of these gases occur naturally. For instance, evaporation produces water vapor, and animal digestive processes release carbon monoxide. However, the forces of nature are not actually the causes of global warming. The culprit, rather, is human activity. People around the world, for example, have been burning huge quantities of carbon-based fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal, and thus releasing carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the troposphere (the lower atmosphere). Deforestation, on the other hand, reduces nature's ability to absorb greenhouse gases.

If global warming continues, the earth may heat up another 1 to 3 degrees celsius (2 to 6 degrees fahrenheit) over the next century, and perhaps even higher thereafter. Think about the adverse effects of global warming on the earth's climate, land and water, the quality of air we breathe, our food supply, health, and the natural habitats. Imagine these scenarios: heat waves and hard rainfalls intensifying and occurring more frequently; ice caps melting which might raise sea levels and cause flooding in low-lying coastal areas; changes in rainfall and weather temperatures harming farm productivity; high moisture levels increasing the risk of diseases (such as malaria and cholera); increases in temperature and longer warm seasons causing more pollution; and changes in ecosystems (such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs) speeding up the extinction of wildlife!

It's a relief to know that we actually can do something (a number of things, in fact) to protect our climate and slow down global warming. The key is in cutting down on our consumption of the fossil fuels that we burn:

- Buy fuel-efficient vehicles. More than a third of the world's carbon dioxide emissions come from cars, trucks, and buses.
- Drive less. Walk to your destination if it's not that far. Try a bicycle, or use public transportation. Or you can organize a car pool among your relatives, colleagues at work, or neighbors.
- Drive smart. Avoid sudden starts and stops as these consume more fuel and which, in turn, cause more emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Bring your car in for regular tune-ups too as it improves fuel efficiency by half.
- Use energy-efficient lightbulbs. Conventional incandescent bulbs generate only 10 percent of illumination from the energy they use, while the other 90 percent are lost in the form of heat. Switch to compact fluorescent lights which are more energy efficient. They cost more than the conventional bulbs, but you get to save some of those crisp bills in your household budget because they last longer.
- Unplug your appliances that are not in use to reduce wastage of standby power. Unknown to some people, many appliances that are plugged in still consume energy even when they are not in use or turned off. For instance, 25 percent of a television's energy is consumed even when it's not turned on. A cellphone charger that is still plugged in consumes about 5 watts. A good alternative to this is to use power strips which you can switch off. Power strips still consume some amount of energy but far less than the appliances that are left plugged in.
- When replacing appliances, choose the most energy-efficient models and keep them well maintained. A refrigerator, for instance, uses 10 to 15 percent of the total electricity consumption each month. Older refrigerator models consume more. When you're away, turn the thermostat low (ideally, set it at 4 degrees celsius) for huge energy savings.
- Weatherproof your house with added insulation and weather stripping to cut fuel use.
- Use your computer smartly. If you need to keep your computer on, enable its power management feature to save 70 percent of energy. Laptop computers are 90 percent more energy efficient than desktops; inkjet printers are more energy efficient than laser printers; and black-and-white printing is more energy efficient than color printing.
- Practice recycling. Consume fewer products; reuse what you can. When you do the groceries, use canvas totes instead of taking your groceries home in plastic bags. This way, manufacturers of these plastic bags won't have to use more energy to make brand new ones.
- Conserve water. Use only enough water that's necessary. Organize your garden or potted plants in such a way that they don't have to use so much water. Choose hardier plants or put mulch (sawdust, compost, or paper) on top of the soil to keep the moisture in. Water saved means the water companies do not have to expend more energy generating water for your household needs.
- Plant trees. They absorb carbon dioxide.
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Find out how much carbon dioxide your activities are releasing into the atmosphere and how you can reduce them. For example, look for ways to use solar energy.
- Volunteer your skills to such organizations like Greenpeace. Make others aware of the real dangers that global warming can bring to our lives.

Every one of us has a duty to care for our mother Earth now so that our children, and our children's children, can enjoy it the same way we're enjoying it. It's a responsibility all of us have to take on

My dear students..

Good Work.

Please make sure u can understand the articles.

HH

What Can You Do to Slow Down Global Warming? Help Prevent Global Warming with These Household Tips

By girly_girl09

We need to start taking responsibility for the emissions of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CH4 (methane) that are creating a hole in the ozone layer. This hole catalyzes global warming by allowing more heat into our atmosphere. Since 1750, the level of CO2 in our atmosphere has increased by 31% and CH4 has increased by a staggering 149%. Surprisingly enough your family’s home can produce more pollution than the average gas operated car, so it is time to start taking some action! There are different ways that you can reduce your home’s yearly gas emission levels on any budget. Don’t let your home be an enemy to the ozone layer.

Recycle

Recycling is a free way to get started helping the environment. Some of the many things that can be recycled include: cans, bottles, newspaper, plastics, glass and even batteries. You can bring your cans and bottles to your local redemption center or donate them to charity. Sort out your newspapers, plastics, and glass into separate containers and check with your local sanitation department as to where they will be accepted. When you recycle, you help reduce the CO₂ emissions because factories will not be producing extra materials. Another way to get on the recycling bandwagon is to buy products that are sold in already recycled containers.

Screw in a Lightbulb

An effortless and cost efficient way of reducing gas emissions in your home is as easy as screwing in a light bulb! You can reduce your electricity bill up to 67% and help the environment by replacing your current C0₂ producing light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Initially, Compact fluorescent light bulbs will cost you a few dollars more, but they will last 10-20 times longer than standard bulbs. Compact fluorescent lights also fit in standard fixtures, so there is no need to spend any additional money on buying new fixtures.

Plant Some Trees

A slightly greater investment to undertake around the house is planting trees and plants around your home. Fifty pounds of carbon can be recycled per year by the plants since they use it during photosynthesis. Planting trees around your property is cost effective because shade from them can reduce your air conditioning bills. After you’re done planting trees and plants around your yard, make to sit back and enjoy the savings, not to mention your new landscape!

Drive a Hybrid

If you are really gung-ho about reducing pollution, and have some extra money, consider investing in a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles do require fuel to run, however the fuel consumption levels compared to the average vehicle are much lower. Lesser fuel consumption translates into a reduction in gas emissions that are eating away at the ozone layer. Cars such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic can get up to 48 miles per gallon.

Causes of Global Warming & What You Can Do

All the causes of global warming can be separated into two categories: natural and human influenced. Global warming cannot be stopped, but it can be slowed down. While nothing can be done about the natural causes, something can be done about the human influences that are catalyzing global warming. You may not think that replacing your light bulbs with fluorescent bulbs will make much of a difference. Please consider this: what if everyone did just one or two things to help? Everyone’s efforts can combine to form a significant difference. You and your household can play an important part of that difference. Not only will you be doing something good for the environment, but you also will save a lot of money on electricity and/or fuel bills. Everyone can benefit from being environmentally conscious.

Earth Day - What You Can DO?- SAVE THE EARTH

http://interiordec.about.com/library/weekly/aa042201a.htm

The Running Faucet - Do you leave the water running while you brush your teeth for 2 minutes? Then nearly ten gallons of water just slid down the drain. Remember, you PAY for that! Now, think about saving water when you shave, wash dishes, do laundry, water the lawn, wash the car, hose off the sidewalks.... avoid sending water and $$$ down the drain.

Idle Time - Ever wonder if you should leave the car running while you wait for the kids to be dismissed from school? Leave it on if you'll be there less than a minute, otherwise it's more efficient to turn it off and restart it when you're ready to go.

Turn Down the Heat - Not just the furnace, but the water heater too -- set it at 130 to 140 degrees. Turn the setting to low or off when you leave for the weekend or for a long vacation, then put a note on your bathroom mirror so you'll remember to turn it up when you return.

Keeping It Clean - Washers can use more than 50 gallons of water per load, so avoid washing a lot of small loads whenever possible. Also, be sure to choose the lowest level of water needed for each load, use warm water instead of hot, and set the rinse cycle to use cold water.

Cold Food - Refrigerator temperatures should be set at about 40 degrees, give or take a degree or two. Freezer temps between 0 and 5 degrees are just right. Colder settings waste energy and won't help food.

Snip Six-Pack Rings - Those innocent looking soft plasting holders for soft drink cans and other products can entangle birds, fish, and small animals. Snip apart each ring before throwing it in the trash, or inquire whether they can be recycled locally.

Get a Charge out of It - Never throw spent batteries in the trash. They contain mercury, a hazardous substance that will leak into groundwater or be burned and released into the air. Don't go there. Either switch to rechargeable batteries or collect used batteries in a shoebox out in the garage, clearly marked. Then take them to a recycling facility once or twice a year.

Responsible Choices
The choices we make and the products we buy test our commitment to maintain a healthy planet. When we burn fossil fuels—such as oil, coal, and natural gas—to run our cars and light our homes, we pump carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. This thickens the heat-trapping blanket that surrounds the planet, causing global warming.

Choosing modern technology can reduce our use of fossil fuels and help protect the planet. These ten steps will help curb global warming, save you money, and create a safer environment for the future.

Drive Smart!
A well-tuned car with properly inflated tires burns less gasoline—cutting pollution and saving you money at the pump. If you have two cars, drive the one with better gas mileage whenever possible. Better yet, skip the drive and take public transit, walk, or bicycle when you can.

Buy Local and Organic
Did you know the average American meal travels more than 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate? Think of all the energy wasted and pollution added to the atmosphere—not to mention all the pesticides and chemicals used to grow most produce! So go to your local organic farmer to get your fruits and veggies.

Support clean, renewable energy.
Renewable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, can reduce our reliance on coal-burning power plants, the largest source of global warming pollution in the United States. Call your local utility and sign up for renewable energy. If they don't offer it, ask them why not?

Also, support a national renewable electricity standard (RES). The Energy Bill signed in 2007 lacked key components that address our energy security and global warming emissions: a renewable electricity standard of 15 percent by 2020 and a tax package that will provide investment incentives for clean energy alternatives. Use our action center to urge your members of congress to support the renewable electricity standard and tax package!

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Especially those that burn the longest each day. Compact fluorescents produce the same amount of light as normal bulbs, but use about a quarter of the electricity and last ten times as long. Each switch you make helps clean the air today, curb global warming, and save you money on your electricity bill.

Saving energy at home is good for the environment and for your wallet.
Start with caulking and weather-stripping on doorways and windows. Then adjust your thermostat and start saving. For each degree you lower your thermostat in the winter, you can cut your energy bills by three percent. Finally, ask your utility company to do a free energy audit of your home to show you how to save even more money.

Become a smart water consumer.
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets and you'll use half the water without decreasing performance. Then turn your hot water heater down to 120°F and see hot-water costs go down by as much as 50 percent.

Buy energy-efficient electronics and appliances.
Replacing an old refrigerator or an air conditioner with an energy-efficient model will save you money on your electricity bill and cut global warming pollution. Look for the Energy Star label on new appliances or visit their website at www.energystar.gov to find the most energy-efficient products.

Plant a Tree, protect a forest.
Protecting forests is a big step on the road to curbing global warming. Trees "breathe in" carbon dioxide, but slash-and-burn farming practices, intensive livestock production, and logging have destroyed 90 percent of the native forests in the United States. And you can take action in your own backyard—planting shade trees around your house will absorb CO2, and slash your summer air-conditioning bills.

Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!
Producing new paper, glass, and metal products from recycled materials saves 70 to 90 percent of the energy and pollution, including CO2, that would result if the product came from virgin materials. Recycling a stack of newspapers only four feet high will save a good-sized tree. Please... buy recycled products!

Mount a local campaign against global warming.
Educate your community about how it can cut global warming pollution. Support measures at the national, state, and local level that:

• Make automobiles go further on a gallon of gas;
• Accelerate the use of clean, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind;
• Increase energy efficiency and conservation; and
• Preserve forests around the world.

OTHER THINGS WE CAN ALL DO TO REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING

• Plant new trees and preserve existing trees because they absorb and need carbon dioxide (a primary greenhouse gas) and they give off oxygen, which we need to breathe.
• 
  
• Like his father before him, Gary repairs things that break, if he can. For example, a few years ago, the fan broke in the cheap, small, window air conditioner he owns. As you can imagine, an air conditioner without a fan to blow the cold air out of it is worthless. Gary really dislikes returning things because many big companies don't care if we consumers are dissatisfied with their products and they resist refunding any money. Rather than try to return the unit and make the company honor their warrantee, Gary took the air conditioner apart (it wasn't that difficult) and discovered that the manufacturer (Goldstar) had put a cheap, flimsy, plastic fan in it (probably made in China) and that the plastic shaft of the fan had broken. This is a good example of built-in obsolescence! Undaunted, Gary sawed off the broken end of the shaft, drilled a hole through it, attached a short piece of wooden dowel to it with a metal bolt and the repaired fan has worked perfectly (and noiselessly) for several summers since. Although the repair took the better part of an afternoon, it was worth it because it was probably easier than returning it and dealing with the big company from which he bought it, which may have been as time consuming as repairing it. Also, Gary didn't burn up any gasoline to return it. Another example - when the carrying handle on the Kenmore cannister vacuum cleaner broke, it became very inconvenient to pick it up in both hands to carry it up and down stairs. Although we don't use it much anymore (we more often use a broom), it was worth Gary's time and effort to saw off the broken part of the handle, cut a piece of thick, wooden dowel to length, drill holes in the ends of the dowel and the remaining handle ends, and secure the new, wooden handle with screws. The handle is now functionally better than the original because the new handle is round and fits the hand naturally (he bought this machine about 35 years ago).
• 
  
• Use paper when cushioning something to be shipped instead of using Styrofoam “peanuts” or bubble plastic wrap, which are made from fossil fuels and take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. If you receive Styrofoam “peanuts” or bubble plastic wrap in a package, take them to a UPS or FedEx store where they will be reused.
• 
  
• When mailing the recording of a client's session in a padded mailer, Gary uses one made with paper fibers as padding that can be recycled by the receiver. He puts a label that says, "RECYCLE THIS" on the back of the padded mailer to remind the recipient. Gary refuses to buy bubble mailers because they are not recyclable and take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills.
• 
  
• Purchase products with minimal plastic packaging when possible because fossil fuels and electricity are used to produce this tough, thick packaging, which is not recyclable and doesn’t decompose in the landfill in a thousand years. When you must buy a product that is excessively packaged in plastic, remove the packaging after your purchase while you are still at the store and give it to customer service (cardboard boxes are OK to take home IF you recycle or reuse them). If hundreds of thousands of us did this, excessive plastic packaging would disappear.
• 
  
• When Gary gives someone a gift, he usually doesn’t wrap it but, instead, holds it behind his back and tells the recipient he has a gift. He does this to create suspense - as an alternative to the suspense we often feel when unwrapping a gift. Alternatively, put your gift in a reusable gift bag instead of wrapping it. This encourages the recipient of the gift to reuse the gift bag (you can even ask them to do so).
• 
  
• Install double-paned windows in your house if you live in a temperate or northern climate. If it is too expensive to replace every window, install them only in the north- and west-facing windows because the prevailing cold winds in the winter are from these directions. Double-paned windows (or storm windows) reduce your consumption of fuel or electricity for heating in the winter and your consumption of electricity for air conditioning in the summer.
• 
  
• Grow some of your own food and buy locally grown food as much as possible because this greatly reduces your impact on global warming – millions of gallons of fossil fuels are consumed in transporting food every day. Buy food grown in the U.S. before buying food from overseas because of the additional fossil fuels burned to bring it here by ship or plane. Fill out a comment card at your grocery store requesting that they buy more in-season, locally grown food and ask your friends to do the same.
• 
  
• Eat less red meat, which is much more resource-consumptive than raising veggies. Consuming one less serving of beef each week saves 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide in a year.
• 
  
• Ride a bicycle or walk rather than drive whenever you can – it saves fossil fuel and it is healthy (on roads where air pollution from cars is minimal).
• 
  
• Buy products made locally and buy used products sold by local people as much as possible because this greatly reduces the impact of your purchase on global warming – millions of gallons of fossil fuels are consumed every day to transport products and most are shipped from overseas. Purchases of used or locally made products also support the local economy.
• 
  
• Use local practitioners and services as much as possible to support your local economy. The more we use local resources, the less fossil fuels we consume (consultations by phone are exceptions).
• 
  
• Look at the energy consumption of electrical products you buy (often expressed in wattage) and, when you have a choice, choose the least consumptive.
• 
  
• Reduce, minimize or avoid altogether shopping in big-box chain stores like Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, K-Mart, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Office Depot, Staples, etc. These stores contribute to urban sprawl because they are typically on the fringes of developed areas and they generate a huge number of long car trips by customers each day, each trip adding carbon dioxide to the air. They are also major contributors to global warming because they import thousands of goods made by poorly-paid foreign workers, shipped from overseas, and then distributed, mostly by truck, all over the country. Big-box stores are poorly insulated and, with excessively high ceilings and no windows, they use incredible amounts of electricity to keep them well-lighted and at a comfortable temperature for customers. Because of their extended hours, they must run the heating or air conditioning 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They also drive smaller, locally-owned stores out of business and much of their cheaply-priced merchandise is poor quality and foreign made. According to the Associated Press, Wal-Mart is the largest private user of electricity in the world! Read more about Wal-Mart's negative environmental impact.
• 
  
• Buy products from green businesses because they are usually deliberately reducing their "carbon footprint" (hence their impact on global warming) and many are contributing to the preservation of our environment as well. Buy stocks of publicly traded green companies to support them and protect our planet.
• 
  
• Don't believe the nonsense you hear and see on TV commercials about how corporate giants are now suddenly "going green" unless they present valid evidence to support this claim. Keep in mind that this advertising gimmick is often a thinly disguised attempt to distract the consumer from thinking about the huge quantities of greenhouse gases their business practices produce and the gigantic carbon footprints they leave.
• 
  
• Read more and watch less TV – reading uses less electricity and stimulates your mind. If you are doing something requiring concentration, turn off the TV rather than trying to divide your attention. According to TV analysts, this is a major reason that TV programs today are "dumbed-down" and oversimplified - don't support this industry trend.
• 
  
• Sell stocks of companies that make huge contributions to global warming and aren’t making efforts to be environmentally responsible (such as the big-box stores mentioned above). Buy stocks of companies that manufacture or sell clean or renewable energy producing systems (like wind, solar, geothermal, tidal).
• 
  
• Vote against politicians running for national office who don’t actively work to pass legislation to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and vote for politicians who do. Vote against local politicians who don’t actively support tax credits to individuals, businesses and organizations who install alternative energy producing systems.

WHAT WE CAN DO IN OUR HOMES IN THE SUMMER
What Gary does in the summer in his home to help reduce his impact on global warming (air conditioning is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions because of its high consumption of electricity):

• If the humidity is high (usually it is in Florida and the southeastern U.S.), he keeps the house windows closed day and night. In the morning, the house feels cooler longer because the humidity in the house is lower than it is outside (the higher the humidity in the summer, the hotter we feel). When the humidity level is comfortable outside, he opens the windows in the morning or early afternoon to warm the house or after the Sun sets to cool the house. If the relative humidity exceeds 50% in the house because the windows are open, he closes the windows and turns on the dehumidifier (which uses less electricity than the central A/C).
• 
  
• When he lived in a house with window air conditioners, he waited until the house temperature reached at least 80 degrees (he has an indoor thermometer) before turning on the air conditioners. He only used two units (one was small) to cool his house and he used fans to distribute the cool air. He turned them to warmer settings or off when he left the house.
• 
  
• In his present home, which has central air conditioning, he sets the thermostat at 82 degrees during the day (he turns it to a lower setting at night so he can sleep and so his wife doesn't complain constantly).
• 
  
• He closes blinds in east-facing windows in the morning and closes blinds in west-facing windows in the afternoon to reduce the extent to which the Sun heats the house.
• 
  
• He uses ceiling and portable fans instead of the air conditioning when the temperature in the house is not unbearably hot.
• 
  
• When he lived in a house with a basement, he closed the inside door to the basement because cool air produced by the window air conditioners sank into the basement if that door remained open.
• 
  
• An attic fan that cools your attic will have the effect of cooling your house as well.

WHAT WE CAN DO IN OUR HOMES IN THE WINTER
What Gary does in the winter in his home to help reduce his impact on global warming (greenhouse gases are produced by all of the fuels we burn to keep us warm in the winter):

• He sets the thermostat to 60 degrees during the day and wears warm clothes. Because he presently lives in Florida, he can often open the house windows when the outdoor temperature exceeds 60 degrees and this gradually warms the house. If you don't have a thermostat, get an indoor thermometer like Gary has and try to keep the room temperature at 65 degrees or lower during the day. If no one is at home, set the thermostat at 60 degrees (set it lower if you are leaving your house for more than a day). Gary wears warm shoes or thick socks because, when his feet are warm, the rest of his body will more likely feel warm. If you like hats, wear a warm one at home and you will be surprised by how cool you want your house in the winter (40% of our heat loss is through our head).
• 
  
• He works at home and spends most of the day in one room so he heats that room with an electric space heater. He can set the heater on low because he wears warm clothes and keeps his feet warm (the heater is under his desk). He was born with the Sun in Pisces so keeping his feet warm is important in maintaining his comfort.
• 
  
• On sunny days, he pulls the blinds up to let full sunlight in but keeps blinds (or curtains if you have them instead) closed in windows against which a cold wind is blowing. At night, he closes blinds (or curtains), which helps keep cold air that comes in around the windows contained against the windows.
• 
  
• He locks all windows during cold weather or on cold nights after the windows have been open during the day. This causes a tighter seal than when they are unlocked. When he knows the cold of winter has set in, he applies clear packaging tape over all spaces around windows through which the wind blows in cold air.
• 
  
• When he lived in a house with a basement, he placed a rolled-up bath towel at the bottom of the basement door to the outside, which kept cold air from coming in because the base of that door didn't form a good seal. He also kept the door from the ground level to the basement open because cold air on the ground level gradually sank into the basement.

HOW WE DRIVE CAN REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING

• Gary drives 40 MPH except on the Interstate where he drives 60 MPH just to avoid being run over. Another exception is that he drives the 55 MPH speed limit on local highways because he doesn't want the driver behind tailgating him. When the speed limit is less than 40 MPH, he drives the limit or under it. He does this because it saves gasoline and, even though he drives a 2000 Toyota Camry (not a fuel-efficient model), his average gas mileage is over 30 miles/gallon. Driving at 40 MPH or less saves gasoline because, at all but the slowest speeds, the slower we drive, the fewer revolutions per minute (RPM) the engine turns and the fewer revolutions, the less gas it consumes.
• 
  
• This speed also means that Gary seldom used his brakes on the country roads he drove in Virginia because most curves can be safely made at 40 MPH and when he approached a curve requiring a slower speed, by taking his foot off the accelerator before the turn, his car usually slowed enough on its own to safely make the turn. Replacing his brakes less often means fewer brake pads consumed (and fewer manufactured if we all did this) and brake pads, just like everything else, require electricity (as well as raw materials) to be manufactured. If he lived in a city, this savings would not apply.
• 
  
• When accelerating from a stop or a slow speed, Gary does so gradually because a gradual acceleration through the gears saves an appreciable amount of gas. His 2000 Toyota Camry has a tacometer (which registers the revolutions per minute or RPM of the engine) so, during his gradual accelerations, he tries to keep the RPM at about 2200.
• 
  
• When he lived near Charlottesville, Virginia and began driving down a big hill, he shifted his car into neutral. This saved gas because the engine turns fewer RPM when in neutral than in gear and the fewer revolutions, the less gas it consumes. He waited to shift back into drive until the car's speed declined to 40 MPH.

WITH THE FOLLOWING CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATOR, YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH CARBON DIOXIDE YOU PRODUCE!

<p>Your browser doesn't support IFRAMES - please use the <a href="http://calculator.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx?b=DFD1FF" target="_blank">your personal carbon footprint calculator</a> instead.</p>

Tips To Control Global Warming

Posted on 15 May 2007

Global Warming Warns! Let’s work together to conrol it.

Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation. Global warming is a very serious issue. The future would be very terrible if we don’t take any action to reduce it right away.

We need to control global warming to reduce the future risk. Today RB comes with commonsense super tips to reduce global warming. Please read it, leave your feedback & share this story with your friends. Let’s work together to control global warming & reduce future risk.

#> Use Public Transport:

Public transport, public transportation, public transit or mass transit comprises all transport systems in which the passengers do not travel in their own vehicles. While it is generally taken to include rail and bus services, wider definitions would include scheduled airline services, ferries, taxicab services etc. any system that transports members of the general public. A further restriction that is sometimes applied is that it should take place in shared vehicles, which would exclude taxis that are not shared-ride taxis.

#> Use Renewable Energy Like Wind Power:

One means of reducing carbon emissions is the development of new technologies such as renewable energy such as wind power. Most forms of renewable energy generate no appreciable amounts of greenhouse gases except for biofuels derived from biomass.

#> Burn Methane:

Burning Waste Methane. Methane is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Burning one molecule of methane generates one molecule of carbon dioxide. Accordingly, burning methane which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere (such as at landfills, coal mines, waste treatment plants, etc.) provides a net greenhouse gas emissions benefit.

#> Use Smart Cooler, Heater & Air Conditioner

About half the energy we use in our homes goes to heating and cooling. Changing air filters annually, having your system checked annually and useing a programmable thermostat are all easy things you can do. Just by using a programmable thermostat, you can save about 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and about $100 a year in energy costs. If you want to go the extra mile, see “Bonus Tips” below for how to purchase green power.

#>Tune up and maintain vehicles properly

Unscientific maintain of vehicle leads to environment pollution. Vehicles, regardless of category are increasing day by day all over the world. The smoke released by these vehicles damage ozone layer. But it is impossible to stop the arrival of new vehicles. What can be done to the maximum is, to maintain the vehicles properly. Adopting scientific method to maintain your loved cars and bikes will play predominant role in controlling global warming.

#>Clean the air in your house.

Cleaning the air inside the house is most important thing. By doing so you will automatically contribute for global warm control. There are many things you can do to clean your house. Use proper vacuum cleaner for the purpose. Clean regularly and continuously. Put dust avoiding curtains and use houseplants. Do not keep the dustbin unchecked. lso don’t mess the surroundings of your house. Even take maximum care while dispatching waste materials. Try to grow as much as saplings inside your compound.

#> Reduce electricity usage to the maximum

Switch off unwanted electric equipments immediately. Or do not use them if not necessary. Often we find shining tube, unning fan, running TV…etc. One may be sound enough to pay the electric bill in the end of the month, but what about the energy that has been wasted? Replace the old ones with energy efficient lighting. Also, improve the efficiency of ome appliances. If not possible, go for an energy saving appliances.

#>Prefer recycling
Preferring reusable products instead of disposables will help in reducing the waste. When you buy a product, make sure that the packing is quite reasonable one. In other words, packing should not exceed the size of the product. Always try to recycle household waste. By recycling the household waste, one can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.Here both the entrepreneurs and public should join hands together for a cause. Always try to educate others on preferring recycling products.

Finally don’t forget to use Water Hybrid Cars...

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 over 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. LED bulbs are also energy-saving, but have a narrower range of application. Advances in LED bulb technology, however, are leading to more applications for these bulbs in the home. LEDs are more efficient than CFLs and do not have issues surrounding disposal, as do the CFLs. More info.
• 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.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances when shopping for a new appliance
  Do this especially when shopping for 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
  • 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. For ideas on home recycling, click here for more info.
  • 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.
  • Eat vegetarian meals
    Vegetarian food requires much less energy to produce. Enjoying vegetarian meals once or twice a week results in significant CO2 savings. More info.
  • 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 and carbon offsets
    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.

    A “carbon offset” is an emission reduction credit which can be purchased by individuals, businesses and governments to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions. More info.

  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.

1. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS.

Even if you're only going out of the room for a few minutes. Those kilowatts add up. (My wife groans when I say it, but, "It makes cents—with a c.")

2. UNPLUG APPLIANCES WHEN NOT IN USE.

Some of them, with their complicated timers and instant start-up features, constantly consume small amounts of electricity. ("Even the TV?" my wife asks. "Good thinking," I tell her.)

3. SEPARATE YOUR GARBAGE.

At our house we have separate garbage cans for glass, paper, plastic, aluminum, wood, organic matter, natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, and rubber. (We split the work—my wife does the separating, I drop everything off at the recycling center.)

4. USE LESS WATER.

We have two bricks in our toilet tank. But there's a much simpler way to save water: Don't flush every time! ("Don't take the sports section in there with you!" is my wife's tip. A sense of humor is so important.)

5. DON'T MOW THE LAWN.

Let it grow. Naturally. Like a meadow. ("Like a dump!" jokes my wife.)

6. DON'T SHAVE AS OFTEN.

I shave once a week. ("If it's good enough for Don Johnson," I quip. "That was passé years ago," my wife informs me.)

7. DRIVE SLOWER.

I try to maintain a nice, steady 40 miles per hour, the legal minimum on most highways. Also, I roll up the windows. It reduces wind resistance -- and noise. ("You can't hear those horns?" my wife asks, incredulous.)

8. SHOP WITH A RE-USABLE SHOPPING BAG.

And, if you can, walk to the store. ("It'll do wonders for your figure," I mention casually to the missus.)

9. BOYCOTT!

Boycott polluters, or anyone who sells any product that can cause pollution, or any product that might contain an ingredient that can cause pollution. ("What does that leave?" my wife asks. "Just the good stuff," I reply.)

10. DO YOUR LAUNDRY BY HAND.

It may be drudgery of the lowest order to have to hand-launder your clothes and hang them on a clothesline, but it saves water and energy. ("Whistle while you work," I kid my wife. "Hitler is a jerk," she continues. I'd forgotten that verse!)

News: Health & Science

Things we can do to Slow down Global Warming

by Bernadette Dalao    November 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.groundreport.com/Health_and_Science/Things-we-can-do-to-Slow-down-Global-Warming

Global warming is a subject that everyone has an opinion on. Some experts say that the sole

cause is the excessive CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere. Then there are other

experts who say that since the beginning of time the planet has gone through cycles of

'rejuvenation' from ice caps to deserts. There are those who say that nature is resilliant and that

nature will always take back its own. There are facts in all of those statements, however, the one

factor that is not mentioned as often as global warming is the Earth's population boom. The last

5 decades has seen significant global increases in population that coupled with better medical

care and healthier lifestyles people are living longer. The net result is the impact this population

increase has on the planet - is it sustainable? I don't have the answer.

One thing is certain, the planet is getting warmer and yes this has happened in the past. In the

past this was the planets natural cycle. Now, however the planets natural cycle is being directly

effected by all of us. With CO2 emissions creating the greenhouse effect and the Suns radiated

heat being trapped the Earth is getting warmer at an alarmingly high rate.

There are those who say it is too late - the damage has already been done. Yes, we have

damaged it but we can all start to repair it bit by bit. The 'Power of One' is an excellent example

of what can be acheived - if everyone made one small change - the global effect would be

measurable. The irony is all the little changes which has such a positive effect on OUR

envirnonment actually saves you money.

Producing energy creates CO2 and costs you money. Reduce CO2 emissions and sace money.

Make up your own mind - search the web. Gather information from reliable sources and you

decide what all the fuss is about.

We have list below some ideas or suggestions you may like to take on board to help you save

money on energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

1.

1.

Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact flourescent light bulb (cfl)

CFL's use 60% less energy than a regular bulb. This simple switch could save about 130Kg of carbon dioxide a

year.

2.

Keep your heating system appliance well maintained with annual servicing.

By being more efficient it will not only reduce carbon dioxide but also save you money.

3.

When purchasing new appliances ensure they are energy efficient.

All new equipment now carries an energy efficiency rating.

4.

Do not leave appliances on standby

Use the on/off function on the unit itself. A television that is switched on for 3 hours a day (the average Europeans

spend watching TV) and in standby mode during the remaining 21 hours uses about 40% of its energy in standby

mode.

5.

Insulate your hot water tank and fit a thermostat.

If your hot water tank isn't already insulated then either fit an insulating jacket or fit a new pre insulated tank. This

can save a huge amount of CO2 emissions. Also set your thermostat no higher than 50ºC.

6.

Move your fridge or freezer.

Placing a fridge or freezer in a warm room consumes much more energy. For example a freezer in a utility room

with a temperature of 30 - 35ºC causes an extra 320Kg of CO2.

7.

Defrost old fridges and freezers regularily.

Even better is to replace them with newer models, which all have automatic defrost cycles and are generally up to

two times more energy-efficient than their predecessors.

8.

Don't let heat escape from your house over a long period.

When airing your house, open the windows for only a few minutes. If you leave a small opening all day long, the

energy needed to keep it warm inside during six cold months (10ºC or less external temperature) would result in

almost 1 ton of CO2 emissions. Alternatively, fit a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (like the MTDERV

300) with provide ventilation and energy recovery reducing the overall energy output of the home)

9.

Replace single glazed windows with double glazing.

Certainly all new homes on the market have double glazed windows. Not all double glazed windows are the same -

some of the better ones have low emission glass and are filled with argon gas. Don't always rely on simply the sales

brochure look for technical facts - if not available ask your architect to research the product ffor you.

10.

Cover your pots while cooking

Doing so can save a lot of energy needed for preparing the dish. Even better are pressure cookers and steamers

(also healthier) - they can save around 70%.

11.

Use the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full.

If you need to use it when it is half full, then use the half-load or economy setting. There iis also no need to set the

temperatures high. Modern degerents are so efficient that they get clothes and dishes clean at low temperatures.

12.

Take a shower instead of a bath.

A shower takes up to four times less energy than a bath. To maximise the ebergy saving, avoid power showers and

use low-flow shower heads.

13.

Use less hot water.

It takes a lot of energy to heat water. You can use less hot water by installing a low flow shower head (160Kg of

Carbon Dioxide saved per year) and washing clothes in 30ºC water (225Kg saved per year) instead of hot.

14.

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible.

You can save 32oKgs of carbon dioxide when you air dry your clothes for 6 months out of a year.

15.

Insulate and seal your home.

Properly insulating your walls and ceilings can save 25% of your home heating bill and 900Kg of carbon dioxide.

Sealing the house can save another 770Kg of carbon dioxide.

16.

Be sure you're recycling at home.

You can save 1,100Kg of carbon dioxide a year by recycling half of the waste your household generates. Local

authorities can give you details of recycling centres in your area.

17.

Recycle your organic waste.

Around 3% of the greenhouse gas emissions through the methane is released by decomposing bio-degradable

waste. By recycling organic waste or composting it if you have a garden, you can help eliminate this problem! Just

make sure that you compost it properly, so it decomposes with sufficient oxygen, otherwise your compost will cause

methane emissions and smell foul.

18.

Choose products that come with little packaging and buy refills when you can.

You will also cut down on waste production and energy use.

19.

Reuse your shopping bag.

When shopping, it saves energy and waste to use a reusable bag instead of purchasing a disposable one in each

shop. Waste not only discharges CO2 and methane into the atmosphere, it can also pollute the air, groundwater and

soil.

20.

Plant a tree.

A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Shade provided by trees reduces energy cooling

requirements. You can buy online trees to have planted as gifts, memorials or indeed any occassion. Some of the

sites are

www.irishoakforests.com / www.nativewoodtrust.ie / www.moortrees.org and

www.sustainableharvest.org

. There are many more you will find on the web.

21.

Switch to green power.

In many areas, you can switch to energy generated by clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar. In Ireland

residences and commercial operations can easily switch to Airtricity. Go to

www.airtricity.com/ireland for details.

22.

Buy Organic foods as much as possible.

Organic soils capture and store carbon dioxide at much higher levels than soils from conventional farms. If the US

grew all its corn and soyabeans organically, it would remove 580 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from the

atmosphere!

23.

Eat less meat.

Methane is the second most significant greenhouse gas and cows are one of the greatest methane emitters. Their

grassy diet and multiple stomachs cause them to produce methane, which they exhale with every breath.

24.

Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transit

wherever possible.

Avoiding just 10 miles of driving every week would eliminate about 220 Kg of carbon dioxide emissions a year.

25.

Start a carpool with coworkers

Sharing a lift with someone just 2 days a week will reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 720Kg per year. Plus it

helps reduce traffic.

26.

Don't leave an empty roof rack on your car.

This can increase fuel consumption and CO" emissions by 10% due to wind resistance and the extra weight -

removing it is a better idea.

27.

Check your tyres weekly to make sure they are properly inflated.

Proper inflation can improve fuel efficiency by more than 3%. Every increase in fuel efficiency makes a difference.

28.

When it's time for a new car, choose a more fuel efficient vehicle.

You can save 1,350Kg of carbon dioxide every year if your new car gets only 3 miles per gallon more than your

current one. You can get up to 60 miles per gallon with a hybrid.

29.

Encourage you school or business to reduce emissions.

You can extend your positive influence on global warming well beyond your home by actively encouraging others to

take action.

A lot of people are now dead because of global warming. Killer heat waves can kill thousands of people in an instant. Skin disease could alsolead to death. global warming is the key to Earth's destruction. Here are some of the things we can do to slow down the global warming :
1) Lessen the energy use - when producing energy, a lot of carbon dioxide are emitted from the factories so we have to conserve energy.
2) Refrain from burning things - do not burn wastes that can be recycled.
3) Improve vehicle fuel-efficiency - the second largerst source of greenhouse gases is transportation. Motor vehicleare responsible for abouta third of allcarbon dioxide emissions. The new hybrid cars, using efficient gas-electric engines, can cutglobal warming pollution by 30% or more.
4) Drive less - you will save energy by takingthe bus, riding a bike or walking.
5) Energy efficient lighting - One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy needs is to replace all your regular incandescent light bulbs with super efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's). Of course, incandescents are much cheaper than fluorescents, but the cost upfront will pay for itself over time, due to the fact that CFL's last 10 times longer than incandescents and use 66% less energy. You can buy CFL's at most hardware stores, and due to their increasing popularity, have begun to decrease in price.
6) Eating organic and locally grown food reduces pesticides and fertilizers, and the fuel used to harvest and transport mass produced goods are reduced.

We can teach our children how to love nature and how important it is to safeguard the world.Instead of keeping them a big asset it is very important for us to keep a wonderful natural and healthy world for them to enjoy their life. It is-true improvements is unavoidable but we can avoid destroying the earth for it is not our permanent property for us to enjoy on our own as we wish. we are only sharing and it should handed over to the following generation with the same way how we got it from our predecessor.

I also welcome more ideas that we can share to join hands in this mission.

When the whole world is searching for new ways and means to fight global warming, an Indian agricultural scientist, Dr. N. Bharathi, said bamboo was a practical atmospheric carbon absorbing plant. He added, " It is the fastest and least expensive way to solve the problems of carbon-dioxide emission and water pollution."

Bamboo absorbs carbon-dioxide and releases oxygen into the atmosphere three to four times higher than many other trees. Bamboo also enriches the soil naturally and prevents soil erosion and effectively cleans the water pollution of of the septic tank discharge and factory effluent by its natural affinity for nitrogen, phosphorus and heavy metals. One mature Bheema Bamboo (Bambusa Balocava) would absorb above 500 kgs of carbon-dioxide.

A few more:

With the number of natural disasters growing high everyday, it is almost as if the earth is crying out loud for our help. Statistics have put an eight year timer on the time - bomb that is now our planet.

Become a part of your school, college, office, or your residential area's environment clubs. Participate in activities to clean up the city you live in.

Garbage lying around begins to ro6t and plays a huge role in polluting the soil, air and water the very basic essentials that we require to live. Picking up garbage and throwing it in dustbins is a great way to start living clean. Try to composite kitchen waste and other organic wastes. This composite is also a great fertilizer and it helps reduce the amount of trash that you send to your local garbage dump.

Follow this three important three green rules:

1. Reduce 2. Reuse and 3. Recycle

Follow this three rules strictly so that you can reduce the amount of waste by knowing which items are recyclable. For example, cardboard, paper and glass are all recyclable materials, and once they have been recycled, they can be reused.

Use cloth bags or jute bags to carry groceries or other items. Stop immediately using paper or plastic bags or materials that cannot be recycled. If you are made to use paper or plastic bags, ensure that you get them recycled so that they can be reused.

When on market, look for the three arrows that make a circle denoting recyclable material. That way you know the products which you are buying can be recycled and will help protect the environment.

Climate change is mainly brought about by the release of toxic green house gases like carbon dioxide into the air. The best way to reduce this greenhouse gases is to grow more trees which use these gases for their food making process. Plant fresh saplings in your park, office, school, college, or your garden and if possible make a community planting by joining hands with your friends, family and your neighbours. Help the earth, breathe.

Vehicular pollution is the most major cause of air pollution in big cities. While no one is saying stop driving cars, but you can be smart about it.

Walk or use public transport whenever you are going to a nearby place or to office. Carpooling, or even riding a bicycle is a great way to cut down both fuel costs and usage and pollution and also help you keep fit.

If you aren't using electrical appliances switch them off. Leaving them on only contributes to the loss of more and more precious fuel resources.

Don't use more water than you need, and now that the rainy season on the corner adopt rain water harvesting to help raise ground water levels.

What are people doing to stop global warming?

People are doing many things to try to stop global warming. One thing people are doing is carpooling. Carpooling is driving with someone to a place that you are both going to. This minimizes the amount of greenhouse gases put into the air by a car.

Another thing that people are doing is being more careful about leaving things turned on like the television, computer, and the lights. A lot of people are taking time away from the television, and instead, they are spending more time outdoors. This helps our planet out a lot. Now, more people are even riding busses, walking to school, and riding their bikes to lower the amount of greenhouse gases in the air. Planting trees and recycling also helps. If you recycle, less trash goes to the dump, and less trash gets burned. As a result, there are fewer greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere.

Watch what you buy. Many things, such as hairspray and deodorant, now are made to have less of an impact on the atmosphere. Less greenhouse gasses will rise into the air, and global warming will slow down.

What is the government doing to stop global warming?

The government is doing many things to help stop global warming. The government made a law called The Clean Air Act so there is less air pollution. Global warming is making people get very bad illnesses that could make them disabled, very sick, and sometimes even die. The Clean Air Act is making many companies change their products to decrease these problems. Part of the law says that you may not put a certain amount of pollutants in the air. Hairspray and some other products, like foam cups, had this problem. Making and using these products let out too much volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), ozone-destroying chemicals (chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), and related chemicals (such as CO2) into the air. Now, almost all of these products have a label on them telling people what this product can do to the environment and many people. By 2015 all products listed on the Clean Air Act will have this label on them:

Almost all of the other chemicals that could be harmful will have this label on them hopefully by this time (2015) as well.

The Clean Air Act has also made car companies change some of the things inside of the cars. Cars pollute a lot. While cars make more than half of the world’s smog (visible pollution in the air), many things that cars need to move and heat up make even more pollution. Some things that are inside of cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles, like gasoline, pollute the air when the fuel is burned. It comes out as a chemical and when mixed in the air, forms smog. Smog is a kind of pollution that you see in the form of a cloud. If you have ever been to California you can see a lot of smog in some places. Sometimes the smog gets so bad that you cannot see at all! Smog forms when car exhaust, pollution from homes, and pollution from factories mixes in the air and has a chemical reaction. The sun’s heat and light add to the reaction.

Cars, buses, and trucks are also responsible for over 50% of dangerous chemicals let into the air. Some of these chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, trouble breathing, brain and nerve damage, lung injures, and burning eyes. Some of the pollutants are so harmful that they can even cause death.

The Best Solution to Stop Global Warming

By investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and increasing the efficiency of the cars we drive, we can take essential steps toward reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels that cause global warming. There is a company dedicated to building engines and inventions that could save us from the effects of global warming. That company is Free Energy United. You can visit their website at www.freeenergyunited.com

Using energy more efficiently and moving to renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and bioenergy) would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases. The United States currently produces 70 percent of its electricity from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, but only two percent from renewable sources.

By creating new "free energy" sources like wind power or electric cars. We can slow down the effects of global warming. What we really need is a new engine for cars that would take no gasoline whatsoever or any other type of fuel that creates carbon dioxide. Many inventors in the past have created free energy machines, many of those were lost with time.

-Another way to stop global warming is to plant more trees. We have cut down way too many trees in the past, and we are still doing it. Much of the tropical rainforest has been cut down, rainforests create a lot of oxygen for us to breathe. By cutting them down we lower our level of oxygen in the air.

-Many people are already planting more trees, but we need much more people getting into it around the world. The best solution to global warming is to plant more trees (a lot more) and we need to replace our current destructive technologies with more efficient technologies that don't pollute the air we breathe. Again you should check out what www.freeenergyunited.com is trying to achieve in that regard.

In summary the best solution to stop global warming is to plant massive amounts of trees, and we need to drastically reduce emissions. Their really is no other secret recipe to stop global warming and find a solution. Incredible new technologies are needed and we need to take better care of our environment.

Letter: We can stop global warming

by Kacee Smith| Whitehall High School

I would like to talk about global warming. I feel it is a big deal and something should be done, and I also feel like we would be a great place to make changes. The past fourteen years have been the hottest years on earth.

This climate change is causing many other problems all around the world. It's not only the climate changes, but global warming as a whole. As the glaciers start to melt, such as in the Himalayan glaciers, it will cause more flooding, avalanches in Asia is not the only place where it is happening. The Glacier National Park, if the temperature changes continue, will lose all of the glaciers by the year of 2030. A glacier in North America, The Bering Glacier, has lost about 20%-25% parts of the glacier. The melting of glaciers can cause other problems such as a raise in sea level, which is said to raise anywhere from 9 to 88 cm in the future. In other places, such as Africa, there will be a problem with not enough water because of drought.

A slight change in temperature has been explained by experts to cause an increase in the cases of malaria. As of right now, Europe, North America, and North Asia seem to almost be immune to the disease, only because of the low temperatures. This will not be true as the temperatures rise. Dr. Sylvain Fleury explained that keeping the temperatures low, by stopping global warming, will be the only effective way to prevent this spread of malaria.

Global warming is also causing greenhouse gases to come in effect and hurt our atmosphere. In Al Gore's The Inconvenient Truth, he mentions that the atmosphere is so thin and is our most vulnerable part of the earth's atmosphere, because it allows heat to escape. If the greenhouse gases continue to increase, what is going to happen to our atmosphere? Our atmosphere will become thicker and will hold in the heat, which will cause the problems I have mentioned above. The Inconvenient Truth also explained that the trapping of infrared radiation, because of greenhouse gases, will thicken our atmosphere because of pollution. As this happens, more of the rays are getting trapped, causing more heat. Our species of animals around the world are also in trouble.

A minimum of 40% of the world's species are being threatened. The homes of these species are in danger, such as the glaciers. In one year 16% of the coral reefs had disappeared. The cause of this is global warming because of the temperature changes, even though they are minor, affect them greatly. If the temperatures keep changing like this, because of no attempt to stop global warming, then how much more will we lose?

I would really like to stress the biggest problem that global warming is causing, the thickening of our atmosphere. I mentioned it earlier, but I do feel like it needs to be shown more. The glaciers melting are because of the heat getting trapped inside of the atmosphere because of the greenhouse gases, when the glaciers melt, it causes a rise in sea level, which will soon affect our land. The change in temperature causes the damage to coral reefs as well. As you can see, one thing leads to another; it's a cause and effect. All these problems could be stopped if we did something to slow down global warming, or completely stop it.

I know we have the power to start the changes that need to be made, in Muskegon. We can start off by suggesting certain idea to the state of Michigan. I believe that if we explain toe problems of global warming, and help people understand it, then we would be able to come a long way and turn this around.

People need to be aware of what is happening, and what the future will look like if we don't so something about this increasing problem. After everyone is informed we could start doing simple things to slow down the effects of global warming. We could suggest to people to use light bulbs that use less energy. This will allow less pollution to be produced from power plants. Not only will this help global warming, but also help people save money in energy bills.

If we could somehow enforce recycling, or even just have more options and places to recycle. By recycling and reducing our garbage by 25% we can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 pounds per year.

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions more, car-pooling is a great idea. The use of hot water when it is not needed also adds more carbon dioxide.

Planting trees could be a really nice project that could start here in Michigan, and maybe spread throughout the world. Hybrid cars would help as well. They can save over 12,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Not only do they help save our world, but, just as using less energy light bulbs, they would save the individuals money.

All of the things we could do really start with us as individuals. There are many little things we can to do have a great change in our world. We could start these types of suggestions and awareness in Muskegon, and before you know it, it would be spread all over the world.

If we don't do the little things to help, what will happen to our world and our future generations? We need to make the world for our future generations safe and beautiful. Please think about this problem, and also about the suggestions I have talked about.

Solving Global Warming

20 votes

Buzz up!

The Tipping Point

The time to put global warming solutions into place is now.

We can't wait any longer. Scientists say we need to turn the corner on global warming within 10 years to prevent very dangerous impacts from becoming inevitable. Each year that passes without tackling global warming head-on makes the problem more difficult and expensive to solve.

But at the same time, global warming has finally gotten our attention -- Americans are increasingly aware that a warming climate is a real threat to our way of life, and that we have a choice about how bad it will get.

The choice lies here: $16 trillion dollars will be invested in energy development over the next two decades. Will it be poured into polluting, obsolescent technologies that will bring on the worst of global warming? Or will these investments be shifted into to advanced, low-polluting technologies that will create the new energy economy that's needed to shut down global warming?

It's up to all of us to increase the heat on our elected officials: we need the right policies -- and we need them now -- to ensure that the technologies described here are deployed on the scale and timeframe that is needed to achieve deep reductions in global warming pollution by mid-century.

1. Boost Energy Efficiency

The cheapest and fastest way to cut global warming pollution is to make things that use electricity -- like appliances, industrial equipment and buildings -- more energy-efficient. We know this works -- most of us have bought an Energy Star appliance or two, and have seen firsthand how much money and energy they can save. But there's still much room for improvement, and we must continue to push for products that waste less energy. Likewise, "green building" design and construction can dramatically reduce the enormous amounts of energy that buildings consume in heating, cooling, lighting and water use.

2. Better Cars and Smart Growth

Our gasoline-burning cars are the second-largest source of U.S. global warming pollution. But Americans will put more than 300 million new cars on the road over the next 20 years -- if these cars are the best, most efficient vehicles Detroit can make, we'll take a big step toward solving global warming.

Using hybrid engines and other ready-to-go technologies in today's cars could nearly double the mileage they'd get from a gallon of gas, saving a lot of money at the pump. By 2050, fuel-cell technologies and other advancements could boost efficiency to 54 miles per gallon.

We can curb our appetite for oil even further by adopting "smart growth" principles in our cities and towns, encouraging developers to build compact, walkable communities that allow people to spend less time behind the wheel.

3. Biofuels and Renewable Energy

Business-friendly, cost-competitive and ready to meet a significant portion of America's energy needs, renewable energy has gone mainstream. Wind power is the fastest growing form of electricity generation in the United States, expanding at an average annual rate of more than 20 percent. Solar energy employs more than 20,000 Americans in high-tech, high-paying jobs. And clean-burning biofuels made from plants show great promise as a replacement for gasoline -- ethanol producers already make 4 billion gallons of fuel a year, and new methods for making ethanol from farm wastes or energy crops could compete with oil on a very large scale in addition to providing extra income for farmers. By 2050, renewable energy and biofuels could meet a significant chunk of our energy needs.

4. Return Carbon to the Ground

Coal is the most carbon-intense of fossil fuels. Reducing use of coal through energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies will be the cornerstones of the solution to global warming, but the plain truth is that hundreds of new coal-fired power plants will probably be constructed around the world in coming years. Coal generates more than half of the electricity we use today, and it is in plentiful supply in such countries as China, India and the United States.

A critical choice remains. Power plants have a long lifespan -- build the new coal plants with dirty, 19th-century technologies and we lock ourselves into high levels of global warming pollution for decades. We can instead choose a 21st-century alternative: Using existing technologies -- each in commercial operation today -- we can convert coal into a clean-burning gas and capture and dispose of the carbon dioxide deep underground, dramatically reducing air pollution from this dirtiest of fuels. If the United States doesn't invest in this technology, neither will China, India and other countries with large coal supplies.

 

REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING by Deborah Mitchell "Global warming" describes the rise in temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere due to the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. The impact of this greenhouse effect could be devastating. Global warming causes ozone depletion, melting polar ice, and rising ocean levels. Global Warming = Ozone Depletion The ozone layer, which protects all life from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is being destroyed by release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. The widening holes in the ozone layer allow in more UV rays, which can cause skin cancers, cataracts, and immune system damage. UV rays are detrimental to pollination, seed production, and marine life food supplies as well. Global Warming = Melting Polar Ice Ice sheets in the Arctic Ocean have receded to record lows, and Antarctic glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, causing sea levels to rise and indigenous wildlife to lose its habitat. Nearly 90% of the permafrost in the Arctic could melt by 2100, which would not only extinguish wildlife, but also release an estimated 400 billion tons of methane, now trapped in the frozen soil, into the atmosphere, dramatically speeding up global warming. Global Warming = Rising Ocean Levels Rising ocean levels could eventually cause worldwide flooding of coastal areas, forcing people and wildlife to migrate inland. Many experts believe global warming is behind the upswing in hurricane activity, and they also predict global warming will cause a dramatic increase in excessive precipitation in some areas and severe drought in others, resulting in floods, crop failures, and a rising number of forest fires and land slides. Many of the world's most knowledgeable climate-change scientists forecast that the earth's temperature will rise from 1.44 to 6.3º F by the year 2100 if we don't take steps to reduce greenhouse gases. An increase of 1 to 3.6º F will occur even if we do act, because many gases have already been released. You can join the growing number of people who want to put the brakes on global warming. Here's how... Reduce gasoline consumption: For every gallon of gasoline burned, about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere. So: bike, walk, take public transportation, or carpool whenever possible. Unplug and strip: Many electronic devices draw power whenever they are plugged into an outlet, even when they are turned off or are fully charged. These energy hogs include adapters that come with rechargeable battery-powered cordless phones, cell phones, power tools, and digital cameras. Electronics that are on standby, such as TVs, cable boxes, and computer monitors, also waste energy. The solution? Unplug these devices and plug them into a power strip. Turn off the strip when these devices are not in use (the strip doesn't draw power). Solarize your cookouts: Make your cookouts solar events by switching to solar ovens. Build your own solar oven or buy one ready-made. Swap Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescents, which are widely available in many sizes and shapes. Only 10% of the energy consumed by incandescent bulbs is released as light; 90% is heat. Fluorescents cost more initially, but they last up to 12 times longer and reduce electric costs. Drink shade-grown coffee: Sun-grown coffee is produced in areas of devastated rainforest, while shade-grown varieties help preserve the rainforest, reduce the need for pesticides, and are ultimately beneficial for the planet. Patronize "green hotels": When you travel, stay at green hotels where the owners have programs that save energy and water and reduce solid waste. Audit your home: Get a free energy audit on your home from your gas and/or electric utility and then institute their recommendations. Eat more vegetables, less meat: The average American diet causes the release of an extra 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year compared with a strict plant-based diet. Reducing your meat and dairy intake by half can make a big difference. Make saving energy a family affair: Assign each person an energy-saving task. For example, one child can gather vegetable scraps for the compost; another can turn off lights and power strips when they are not in use; and you can use cold water for the wash and hang out laundry to dry. Re-energize your office: Help institute energy- (and money-) saving steps: use ceramic cups instead of disposable ones; encourage double-sided copying; "unplug and strip" (see above); start a carpool; turn down the lights. If you'd like to do even more, you can volunteer with groups that are taking action against global warming, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and StopGlobalWarming.org.	Reduce Junk Mail Avoid Antifreeze Poisoning Promote Reading Share the "Drunk Driving Poem" Reduce Identity Theft more volunteer ideas... Support Supplier Diversity Reduce Global Warming Donate Cord Blood Prevent Teen Suicide Guide Foster Care Teens more volunteer ideas... Save Vanishing Wetlands Protect Sea Turtles Prevent Deforestation Cultivate Music Appreciation Improve Children's Dental Health more volunteer ideas...
		Home Make a Difference in 15 minutes in a few hours on a volunteer vacation Volunteer Opportunities animal welfare children's issues community development environmental protection health & safetypoverty Volunteer Motivation Promote Volunteerism donate corporate citizenship website banners press room About Charity Guide

REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING by Deborah Mitchell "Global warming" describes the rise in temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere due to the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. The impact of this greenhouse effect could be devastating. Global warming causes ozone depletion, melting polar ice, and rising ocean levels. Global Warming = Ozone Depletion The ozone layer, which protects all life from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is being destroyed by release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. The widening holes in the ozone layer allow in more UV rays, which can cause skin cancers, cataracts, and immune system damage. UV rays are detrimental to pollination, seed production, and marine life food supplies as well. Global Warming = Melting Polar Ice Ice sheets in the Arctic Ocean have receded to record lows, and Antarctic glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, causing sea levels to rise and indigenous wildlife to lose its habitat. Nearly 90% of the permafrost in the Arctic could melt by 2100, which would not only extinguish wildlife, but also release an estimated 400 billion tons of methane, now trapped in the frozen soil, into the atmosphere, dramatically speeding up global warming. Global Warming = Rising Ocean Levels Rising ocean levels could eventually cause worldwide flooding of coastal areas, forcing people and wildlife to migrate inland. Many experts believe global warming is behind the upswing in hurricane activity, and they also predict global warming will cause a dramatic increase in excessive precipitation in some areas and severe drought in others, resulting in floods, crop failures, and a rising number of forest fires and land slides. Many of the world's most knowledgeable climate-change scientists forecast that the earth's temperature will rise from 1.44 to 6.3º F by the year 2100 if we don't take steps to reduce greenhouse gases. An increase of 1 to 3.6º F will occur even if we do act, because many gases have already been released. You can join the growing number of people who want to put the brakes on global warming. Here's how... Reduce gasoline consumption: For every gallon of gasoline burned, about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere. So: bike, walk, take public transportation, or carpool whenever possible. Unplug and strip: Many electronic devices draw power whenever they are plugged into an outlet, even when they are turned off or are fully charged. These energy hogs include adapters that come with rechargeable battery-powered cordless phones, cell phones, power tools, and digital cameras. Electronics that are on standby, such as TVs, cable boxes, and computer monitors, also waste energy. The solution? Unplug these devices and plug them into a power strip. Turn off the strip when these devices are not in use (the strip doesn't draw power). Solarize your cookouts: Make your cookouts solar events by switching to solar ovens. Build your own solar oven or buy one ready-made. Swap Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescents, which are widely available in many sizes and shapes. Only 10% of the energy consumed by incandescent bulbs is released as light; 90% is heat. Fluorescents cost more initially, but they last up to 12 times longer and reduce electric costs. Drink shade-grown coffee: Sun-grown coffee is produced in areas of devastated rainforest, while shade-grown varieties help preserve the rainforest, reduce the need for pesticides, and are ultimately beneficial for the planet. Patronize "green hotels": When you travel, stay at green hotels where the owners have programs that save energy and water and reduce solid waste. Audit your home: Get a free energy audit on your home from your gas and/or electric utility and then institute their recommendations. Eat more vegetables, less meat: The average American diet causes the release of an extra 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year compared with a strict plant-based diet. Reducing your meat and dairy intake by half can make a big difference. Make saving energy a family affair: Assign each person an energy-saving task. For example, one child can gather vegetable scraps for the compost; another can turn off lights and power strips when they are not in use; and you can use cold water for the wash and hang out laundry to dry. Re-energize your office: Help institute energy- (and money-) saving steps: use ceramic cups instead of disposable ones; encourage double-sided copying; "unplug and strip" (see above); start a carpool; turn down the lights. If you'd like to do even more, you can volunteer with groups that are taking action against global warming, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and StopGlobalWarming.org.	Reduce Junk Mail Avoid Antifreeze Poisoning Promote Reading Share the "Drunk Driving Poem" Reduce Identity Theft more volunteer ideas... Support Supplier Diversity Reduce Global Warming Donate Cord Blood Prevent Teen Suicide Guide Foster Care Teens more volunteer ideas... Save Vanishing Wetlands Protect Sea Turtles Prevent Deforestation Cultivate Music Appreciation Improve Children's Dental Health more volunteer ideas...
		Home Make a Difference in 15 minutes in a few hours on a volunteer vacation Volunteer Opportunities animal welfare children's issues community development environmental protection health & safetypoverty Volunteer Motivation Promote Volunteerism donate corporate citizenship website banners press room About Charity Guide

REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING by Deborah Mitchell "Global warming" describes the rise in temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere due to the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. The impact of this greenhouse effect could be devastating. Global warming causes ozone depletion, melting polar ice, and rising ocean levels. Global Warming = Ozone Depletion The ozone layer, which protects all life from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is being destroyed by release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere. The widening holes in the ozone layer allow in more UV rays, which can cause skin cancers, cataracts, and immune system damage. UV rays are detrimental to pollination, seed production, and marine life food supplies as well. Global Warming = Melting Polar Ice Ice sheets in the Arctic Ocean have receded to record lows, and Antarctic glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, causing sea levels to rise and indigenous wildlife to lose its habitat. Nearly 90% of the permafrost in the Arctic could melt by 2100, which would not only extinguish wildlife, but also release an estimated 400 billion tons of methane, now trapped in the frozen soil, into the atmosphere, dramatically speeding up global warming. Global Warming = Rising Ocean Levels Rising ocean levels could eventually cause worldwide flooding of coastal areas, forcing people and wildlife to migrate inland. Many experts believe global warming is behind the upswing in hurricane activity, and they also predict global warming will cause a dramatic increase in excessive precipitation in some areas and severe drought in others, resulting in floods, crop failures, and a rising number of forest fires and land slides. Many of the world's most knowledgeable climate-change scientists forecast that the earth's temperature will rise from 1.44 to 6.3º F by the year 2100 if we don't take steps to reduce greenhouse gases. An increase of 1 to 3.6º F will occur even if we do act, because many gases have already been released. You can join the growing number of people who want to put the brakes on global warming. Here's how... Reduce gasoline consumption: For every gallon of gasoline burned, about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere. So: bike, walk, take public transportation, or carpool whenever possible. Unplug and strip: Many electronic devices draw power whenever they are plugged into an outlet, even when they are turned off or are fully charged. These energy hogs include adapters that come with rechargeable battery-powered cordless phones, cell phones, power tools, and digital cameras. Electronics that are on standby, such as TVs, cable boxes, and computer monitors, also waste energy. The solution? Unplug these devices and plug them into a power strip. Turn off the strip when these devices are not in use (the strip doesn't draw power). Solarize your cookouts: Make your cookouts solar events by switching to solar ovens. Build your own solar oven or buy one ready-made. Swap Bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescents, which are widely available in many sizes and shapes. Only 10% of the energy consumed by incandescent bulbs is released as light; 90% is heat. Fluorescents cost more initially, but they last up to 12 times longer and reduce electric costs. Drink shade-grown coffee: Sun-grown coffee is produced in areas of devastated rainforest, while shade-grown varieties help preserve the rainforest, reduce the need for pesticides, and are ultimately beneficial for the planet. Patronize "green hotels": When you travel, stay at green hotels where the owners have programs that save energy and water and reduce solid waste. Audit your home: Get a free energy audit on your home from your gas and/or electric utility and then institute their recommendations. Eat more vegetables, less meat: The average American diet causes the release of an extra 1.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year compared with a strict plant-based diet. Reducing your meat and dairy intake by half can make a big difference. Make saving energy a family affair: Assign each person an energy-saving task. For example, one child can gather vegetable scraps for the compost; another can turn off lights and power strips when they are not in use; and you can use cold water for the wash and hang out laundry to dry. Re-energize your office: Help institute energy- (and money-) saving steps: use ceramic cups instead of disposable ones; encourage double-sided copying; "unplug and strip" (see above); start a carpool; turn down the lights. If you'd like to do even more, you can volunteer with groups that are taking action against global warming, such as the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and StopGlobalWarming.org.	Reduce Junk Mail Avoid Antifreeze Poisoning Promote Reading Share the "Drunk Driving Poem" Reduce Identity Theft more volunteer ideas... Support Supplier Diversity Reduce Global Warming Donate Cord Blood Prevent Teen Suicide Guide Foster Care Teens more volunteer ideas... Save Vanishing Wetlands Protect Sea Turtles Prevent Deforestation Cultivate Music Appreciation Improve Children's Dental Health more volunteer ideas...
		Home Make a Difference in 15 minutes in a few hours on a volunteer vacation Volunteer Opportunities animal welfare children's issues community development environmental protection health & safetypoverty Volunteer Motivation Promote Volunteerism donate corporate citizenship website banners press room About Charity Guide

Can Student Stop Global Warming?

THOUGH scientists warn that global warming will likely continue for centuries because of the long natural processes involved, there are a few things student can do to decrease the effects. Basically, they all boil down to this: don’t use as much of the stuff that creates greenhouse gases. On a local level, you can help by using less energy.

The electricity that operates many of the devices in our homes comes from a power plant and most power plants burn fossil fuels to generate that power. Take shorter whowers to use less hot water. Use a fan instead of an air conditioner on a warm day.

Here are some other specific ways student can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions:

1) Make sure student’s car is properly tuned up. This allows it to run more efficiently and generate fewer harmful gases.

2) Student can walk or ride bike to school if possible, or carpool on your way to school. Cars burn fossil fuel so smaller, more fuel efficient cars emit less CO2, particularly hybrid cars.

3) When student are not at home, please turn lights and other appliances off. If can,student may switch from incandescent light bulbs to fluorescent bulbs, which use less energy and last longer.

4) Recycle. Garbage that doesn’t get recycled ends up in a landfill, generating methane. Recycled goods also require less energy to produce than products made from scratch

5) Student can plant some trees and other plants in the school compound or in their house garden. Plants take carbon dioxide out of the air and release oxygen.

6) Don’t burn garbage. This releases carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.

To really stem the emission of greenhouse gases, we need to develop non-fossil fuel energy sources. Hydro-electric power, solar power, hydrogen engines and fuel cells could all create big cuts in greenhouse gases if they were to become more common.

Climate change may be a big problem, but there are many little things we can do to make a difference. If we try, most of us can do our part to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the atmosphere. Many greenhouse gases come from things we do every day. As we have learned, these greenhouse gases trap energy in the atmosphere and make the Earth warmer.

Driving a car or using electricity is not wrong. We just have to be smart about it.Some people use less energy by carpooling. For example, four people can ride together in one car instead of driving four cars to work. Here are some additional ways you can help make the planet a better place! Read Learning about the environment is very important. There are many good books that will help you learn. To get started, ask a teacher or a librarian for some suggestions. You also can look at the Links page to find other good web sites with information about the environment and climate change. Save Electricity Whenever we use electricity, we help put greenhouse gases into the air. By turning off lights, the television, and the computer when you are through with them, you can help a lot. Bike, Bus, and Walk You can save energy by sometimes taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking. Talk to Your Family and Friends Talk with your family and friends about climate change. Let them know what you've learned. Plant Trees Planting trees is fun and a great way to reduce greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air. Recycle Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less trash to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like trees, oil, and elements such as aluminum. When You Buy, Buy Cool Stuff There are lots of ways we can improve the environment. One of the ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the air is to buy products that don't use as much energy. By conserving energy, we help reduce climate change and make the Earth a better place. Some products – like certain cars and stereos – are made specially to save energy. Some Things to Think About Did you know that you can help the environment if you buy recyclable products instead of non-recyclable ones? Look for the recycle mark – three arrows that make a circle – on the package. Recyclable products are usually made out of things that already have been used. It usually takes less energy to make recycled products than to make new ones. The less energy we use, the better. Solar Energy Imagine that it's a hot summer day. You put a scoop of ice cream on the sidewalk, and it melts. Why? Well, you probably know that the sun causes the ice cream to melt. But you may not know that the sun produces solar energy. Solar energy is a fancy way of saying "energy that comes from the sun." Solar energy can be used to heat homes, buildings, water, and to make electricity. Today, more than 200,000 houses in the United States take advantage of the sun's energy. Cars Cars are an important part of life for most people. But cars also cause pollution and release a lot of greenhouse gases into the air. Fortunately, there are some cars that are better for the environment. These cars can travel longer on a smaller amount of gasoline. They don't pollute as much, either. Using these kinds of cars can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the air. ENERGY STAR® Many things, like computers, TVs, stereos, and VCRs, have special labels on them. The label says "Energy" and has a picture of a star. Products with the ENERGY STAR® label are made to save energy. Buying products with ENERGY STAR® labels will help protect the environment.

{message}

Climate change may be a big problem, but there are many little things we can do to make a difference. If we try, most of us can do our part to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the atmosphere. Many greenhouse gases come from things we do every day. As we have learned, these greenhouse gases trap energy in the atmosphere and make the Earth warmer.

Driving a car or using electricity is not wrong. We just have to be smart about it.Some people use less energy by carpooling. For example, four people can ride together in one car instead of driving four cars to work. Here are some additional ways you can help make the planet a better place! Read Learning about the environment is very important. There are many good books that will help you learn. To get started, ask a teacher or a librarian for some suggestions. You also can look at the Links page to find other good web sites with information about the environment and climate change. Save Electricity Whenever we use electricity, we help put greenhouse gases into the air. By turning off lights, the television, and the computer when you are through with them, you can help a lot. Bike, Bus, and Walk You can save energy by sometimes taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking. Talk to Your Family and Friends Talk with your family and friends about climate change. Let them know what you've learned. Plant Trees Planting trees is fun and a great way to reduce greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air. Recycle Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less trash to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like trees, oil, and elements such as aluminum. When You Buy, Buy Cool Stuff There are lots of ways we can improve the environment. One of the ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the air is to buy products that don't use as much energy. By conserving energy, we help reduce climate change and make the Earth a better place. Some products – like certain cars and stereos – are made specially to save energy. Some Things to Think About Did you know that you can help the environment if you buy recyclable products instead of non-recyclable ones? Look for the recycle mark – three arrows that make a circle – on the package. Recyclable products are usually made out of things that already have been used. It usually takes less energy to make recycled products than to make new ones. The less energy we use, the better. Solar Energy Imagine that it's a hot summer day. You put a scoop of ice cream on the sidewalk, and it melts. Why? Well, you probably know that the sun causes the ice cream to melt. But you may not know that the sun produces solar energy. Solar energy is a fancy way of saying "energy that comes from the sun." Solar energy can be used to heat homes, buildings, water, and to make electricity. Today, more than 200,000 houses in the United States take advantage of the sun's energy. Cars Cars are an important part of life for most people. But cars also cause pollution and release a lot of greenhouse gases into the air. Fortunately, there are some cars that are better for the environment. These cars can travel longer on a smaller amount of gasoline. They don't pollute as much, either. Using these kinds of cars can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the air. ENERGY STAR® Many things, like computers, TVs, stereos, and VCRs, have special labels on them. The label says "Energy" and has a picture of a star. Products with the ENERGY STAR® label are made to save energy. Buying products with ENERGY STAR® labels will help protect the environment.

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming

Burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil and gasoline raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

You can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which in turn reduces global warming, by using energy more wisely. Here are 10 simple actions you can take to help reduce global warming.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If there isn't a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning

Adding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home.

Turn down the heat while you're sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

3. Change a Light Bulb

Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat.

If every U.S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.

4. Drive Less and Drive Smart

Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Explore your community mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work or school.

When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products

When it's time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs.

Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that can't be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

6. Use Less Hot Water

Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher and let the dishes air-dry.

7. Use the "Off" Switch

Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you're not using them.

It's also a good idea to turn off the water when you're not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. You'll reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital resource.

8. Plant a Tree

If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

9. Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company

Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

10. Encourage Others to Conserve

Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.

These 10 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget. And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming.