PASSIONS asked:
What are some simple steps or creative ideas that people can take at home and work to combat global warming?
Global warming is not only one of the most threatening environmental problems, but one of the greatest challenges facing all of humanity. Danger signs are surfacing worldwide as temperatures increase (the last ten years have been the hottest years ever recorded causing glaciers and the polar ice caps to melt, coastal areas to flood and storms to become more severe). If left unchecked, global warming will continue to have a profound impact on our planet that will eventually cause catastrophic results. Fortunately, there are things each of us can do. Buildings — including our homes — are major contributors to greenhouse gases they’re responsible for up to 40% of all energy and resource use and approximately 1/3 of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
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What are some simple steps or creative ideas that people can take at home and work to combat global warming?
Global warming is not only one of the most threatening environmental problems, but one of the greatest challenges facing all of humanity. Danger signs are surfacing worldwide as temperatures increase (the last ten years have been the hottest years ever recorded causing glaciers and the polar ice caps to melt, coastal areas to flood and storms to become more severe). If left unchecked, global warming will continue to have a profound impact on our planet that will eventually cause catastrophic results. Fortunately, there are things each of us can do. Buildings — including our homes — are major contributors to greenhouse gases they’re responsible for up to 40% of all energy and resource use and approximately 1/3 of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
I know I’m going to get totally roasted for this, but I honestly believe that people who are extremely concerned about the environment should not have children. It is inevitable that each and every one of us has an impact on the environment, and I really believe it’s irresponsible to lecture others on their consumption of energy and goods if you’re hauling 3 or 4 kids around. Each of those kids is going to have a home some day, cars, kids of their own, etc.
As to what can be done, we use those curly fluorescent blubs to conserve, and we burn wood for most of the heat in our home. We’re looking into converting all of our horse stuff (electric fencing, water heaters) to solar, and when we build a house, I would like some solar panels on the roof.
Walking or biking instead of driving would help, too. I really admire the hell out of the people who live in Alaska and ride their bikes to work (or school) all year long. That is certainly a commitment to your beliefs!! It always amazes me how many people who live on a public transportation route refuse to take advantage of it. I would LOVE to take the bus to work - but the closest bus stop to my house IS at work.
I’m sorry. I couldn’t concentrate on your question. I’m having trouble getting past an avatar entitled “Latino Hottie” that shows her sporting a blue Mohawk. Do you really look like that?
Seriously, I have a friend with expertise in this area who is politically conservative, and he says that there is no such thing as global warming. He says this is another political issue created by the political left. I’m sure there is science on both sides of that question to either support or refute that argument. But honestly, I’m more worried about how I’m going to pay for college for my kids than I am about this issue.
Wasn’t this question already asked by someone else? Shouldn’t you at least try to think up your own questions?
Economizing on petrol usage wherever possible.
Cut down on electricity usage - remember the microwave, video player, and other stuff which is left on all day are all consuming power to show the time to an empty room! Also they are a potential fire risk. So stuff off at the power point whenever possible - should leave the fridge/freezer on, and nothing else when the house is empty. Think carefully about gadgets - you can juice oranges quicker and easier with an old fashioned juicer as an electric one.
Burning firewood doesn’t help much, wood produces a fair amount of CO2 when burnt too. See how much longer each year you can just get away with wearing a sweater, without starting any heaters.
Plant a tree or two or ten.
Switching to solar power is good (this puter is solar powered), but many parts of the world simply don’t have enough sun for enough of the year to make it a good option. Wind power is another option, both are pretty expensive to install. At the moment in my house the only electrical devices which are on, even at the wall, are the computer and the TV (for toddler morning kiddy programs)
This is the website of the Environmental Protection Agency and it has all information you are looking for.