by guest blogger: Neil Stawski, Climatewise.co
Making incremental changes to the way we live is essential if human beings are to counteract decades of frivolous and mindless waste and pollution. The preservation of food crops, animal species, miles of coastline, and the quality of life Americans have enjoyed since the 1950s are at stake. Being mindful of climate change, and the benefits of acting in an environmentally responsible manner, can remind people of the many actions they can make at home and in their communities to stop climate change. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you consider how you can initiate change.
Carbon dioxide
Automobile exhaust is the leading producer of harmful CO2 gas—a major contributing factor to climate change—and no country emits more of auto exhaust than the United States. Americans have historically considered oversized, inefficient cars and SUVs to be some kind of birthright. In fact,the U.S. accounts for 5 percent of the world’s population yet drives about one-third of the world’s cars. There are plenty of ways to reduce your own carbon footprint—one of the best is to drive less.
Consider carpooling with co-workers, using public transit, riding a bicycle (or taking the bus part of the way and biking the rest), or making the switch to a hybrid or electric car. No more worrying about where to park, paying the high cost of parking in a garage or surface lot, or suffering the frustration of sitting behind the wheel in bumper-to-bumper traffic, wondering if you’ll make it to work on time.
Energy efficiency at home
There’s no better place to begin making a difference than your own home. Little changes really do add up, and there are lots of smart, eco-friendly habit adjustments that will not only help the environment, but will save you money on energy costs. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs throughout the house. They last longer and provide more light for less energy. When not in use, unplug all those computers, televisions, and other electronic devices in your home; they draw energy even when they’re not switched on. Wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot and use your dryer sparingly. Better yet, consider hang drying.
The machines in your home represent a major waste of energy, so look for appliances that have the Energy Star label. Install a programmable thermostat to help make the most efficient use of your HVAC system. Don’t forget to winterize your home in the fall to keep excess heat from escaping while your furnace is working at high capacity throughout the winter months. Install storm doors and windows, check your insulation, and add weather strips on all doors to help hold in the heat—and to avoid paying for wasted heat.
Use food efficiently
You don’t have to become a vegetarian to be an eco-friendly eater, but emphasizing vegetables and fruit more often is a good way to create a sustainable food source and lead a healthier life. Try limiting the number of meals that contain meat; buy organic food locally as much as possible; start a garden (there’s something satisfying about growing and eating your own food); and make a concerted effort not to waste food. According to the New York Times, about a third of all food produced globally gets thrown out, which hampers efforts to fight world hunger. Cutting back on food waste could also help reduce greenhouse gas production, so keep reheating those leftovers and take any food you won’t be eating to a homeless shelter, or some other charitable organization.
Share your experience with others and pass along eco-friendly habits that work well for you. Word of mouth plays an important role in getting Americans to think conservationally and globally, so bang the drum on social media and at work.
Courtesy of Pixabay
