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1-15 things to stop global warming

Every one of us could rather significantly contribute to the fighting against the global warming just by changing some of our everyday habits. Individual efforts are especially significant in countries like the US, Canada and Australia, where individuals release the highest amount of carbon dioxide per person every year.

We can help immediately by becoming more energy efficient. Reducing our use of oil, gasoline and coal, reducing electricity usage around the home and conserving energy in the home and yard could really help.

The largest source of greenhouse gases is electric power generation. The average home actually contributes more to global warming than the average car.

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.

improve the efficiency of home appliances - the more energy-efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run.

buy energy-efficient appliances - When shopping for a new appliance- especially a major appliance such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or air-conditioner - select the one with the highest energy efficiency rating.

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.

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

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 - 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.

buy a fuel-efficient car - The new hybrid cars, using efficient gas-electric engines, can cut global warming pollution by 30% or more.

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 tones 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.

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 weed eater 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.

recycle whenever possible - aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, glass - anything recycled reduces the energy needed to create new products.

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.

eat vegetarian meals - Vegetarian food requires much less energy to produce. Enjoying vegetarian meals once or twice a week results in significant CO2 savings.

paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate - this will save a significant amount of energy

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.