How to Reduce Global Warming

The Greenhouse Effect and global warming may seem like huge problems that you don't think you can do anything about. However, there are several things you can do to reduce global warming, and you can start by changing some of the habits you've adopted in your own home. Here are some tips that you can your family can start practicing today. 

 

One of the most important things you can do is to cut down on gasoline use. Around twenty pounds of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere every time you use a gallon of gas, and carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases that is toxic for humans if released into the atmosphere in large amounts. So, as much as possible, try to carpool with others in your neighborhood, especially if you work in the same part of time, or have to drop your children off at school at the same time every day. You can also ride a bike, jog, or walk to locations that are close to home, so that you can reduce global warming and get a good workout in the process.  If you can afford it you should get a Hybrid car or at least a fuel efficient car.

 

Unplugging electronic items that you're not using is also a great way to reduce global warming. Energy is being used even when your items are on standby or are finished charging, so be sure to take plugs out of the socket when you're not using the outlet. It's also a good idea to get a power strip to plug all your electronic devices into, so that when you're finished using them, you can simply turn the power strip off and save energy. You can also reduce the use of air conditioning or heating by adjusting your thermostat. Anything that reduces energy consumption will help reduce greenhouse gasses.

 

Even changing your light bulbs can help to reduce global warming. Most people have incandescent bulbs in their homes, and these use a considerable amount of energy and raise electric bill costs. These bulbs use energy to mostly produce heat—only 10 percent of the energy is used as light, which means it will cost more to have these bulbs in the home since they will need to be replaced often. Switching to fluorescent bulbs will help to solve the environmental issue of global warming; while the bulbs may cost more initially, they release more energy as light and do not need to be replaced as often. If you are feeling affluent you might try LEDs because they last longer and use even less power than compact florescent bulbs, and the contain no mercury which is toxic to the environment.  The down side is that they can cost up to $100.00 a bulb, and while over a 5 or 10 year period they are still much cheaper than buying and replacing incandescent bulbs, CFLs are cheaper over long periods becaust of the high initial purchase price.

 

Your diet can also make a big difference in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases into the earth. Because meat and dairy manufacturing requires factory energy and electricity, about one and a half tons of greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Switching to a diet that is richer in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will definitely help to reduce global warming, since less energy will have to be used to package certain foods. This may not be for everyone, but it is an option.

 

Even though the greenhouse effect and global warming are big issues that affect everyone in the world, there are still things that you and your family can do to help reduce it. Recycling, planting trees (they use CO2 and give off oxygen), use solar panels and solar lighting, use attic fans especially if solar powered, or anything that reduces power consumption will help reduce the effects of global warming. Another thing is to share your ideas with others since if only you and I do these things it won't make much of a difference. You don't have to be a fanatic, you just need to care about the future of the planet, and share with your freinds if you change some light bulbs and save on your electric bill.

 

There is a ton of information on this area on the internet- I've included quite a bit on this site- you should learn all you can and make up your own mind. I wish you luck.