Every
person alive can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint on the planet. You
can drive an electric or hybrid car, only use light-emitting diode bulbs that
reduce energy demands, recycle and eat local grown foods instead of shipped-in
foods to lessen the noxious gases that contribute to global warming. Certain
gases, like carbon dioxide and methane accumulate in the atmosphere and trap
heat from the sun reflected by the Earth’s surface. These gases act like the
walls of a greenhouse by preventing the release of heat and causing global
temperatures to rise.
Reduce Carbon Footprint Tips
NASA
states that "In the past century alone, the temperature has climbed nearly
1 degree Celsius, roughly ten times faster than the average rate of
ice-age-recovery warming." If the situation doesn't change, the planet is
on track to increase 2 to 6 degrees C over the next century. Follow these tips
to help lower these numbers:
·
Set the
thermostat 2 degrees lower in winter and 2 degrees higher in summer.
·
Wrap an
insulation blanket around the water heater to conserve energy.
·
Begin composting
instead of discarding vegetable and fruit debris.
·
Avoid purchasing
products that require a lot of wasteful packaging materials.
·
Add
weatherstripping to windows and doors to conserve energy.
·
Turn down the
water heater temperature to use less energy.
·
Complete a home
energy audit, which has a dual effect: energy and money savings.
Conserve Energy
Almost
half of the greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. come from the production of
electricity and other industrial process that rely on fossil fuel consumption.
Turn off lights when you leave the room. Buy a programmable thermostat and wear
a sweater instead of turning up the heat. Buy appliances with the Department of
Energy’s Energy Star label.
Public
Transportation
Since
transportation accounts for nearly 30 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions,
instead of driving, try carpooling with coworkers. You can also use public
transportation, buses, trains and trams, walk or ride to reduce air pollutants.
Reduce plane travel as much as possible, as airplane exhaust adds pollutants to
the atmosphere.
Plant
a Tree
Except
at night, green plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, convert it
to sugar for growth, and release oxygen back into the atmosphere. Deforestation
releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, so using wood and paper
products sparingly can help to reduce the greenhouse effect.
Get
Involved
When
the government fails to put in place regulations that reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, get involved. Contact state and federal senators and representatives
by phone, letter or email. Ask them to ensure that the government recycles and
reduces energy consumption. Regularly vote and choose representatives that
support greenhouse gas reduction and adhere to scientific studies that prove
global warming. Join an organization, contribute money or get involved in a
local grassroots organization that can help make your voice heard and educate
others.
Green house effects is best for our home, but solar energy is also useful for us for that Solar Saving Calculator is best for us.
ReplyDelete