How to Reduce Global Warming

Many scientists now believe that we can no longer prevent global warming. We can, however, reduce the impact of global warming and make changes in our individual lives. The more people who become energy conscious and consume our resources less frivolously, the more readily we can reduce global warming.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Power strips
• Color-coded trash cans
• Low-flow showerhead
• Reusable shopping bags
• Double pane windows

1. Drive less often. Reduce the amount of gasoline you use. If feasible, purchase a vehicle which gets better gas mileage. Otherwise, look into carpooling, take public transit, and walk or bike to nearby locations.
2. Use power strips in your home or unplug your devices when not in use. A number of devices consume energy even then they are not turned on. A power strip can be used to turn many of them off and on. Simply switch the power strip to the "off" position when you aren't using the devices, and they will stop consuming unnecessary energy.
3. Ask your power company for an energy audit on your home. They can provide recommendations on ways to reduce energy and let you help in the fight against global warming.
4. Begin recycling your garbage by separating it by type into color-coded trash cans. Take them to your nearest recycling center or see if your local sanitation department handles recyclable trash. Ask your workplace if they will institute a recycling program to renew any paper products they use.
5. Check your water heater thermostat and make sure it is no higher than 120 degrees F. Insulate your water heater to keep it from leaking unnecessary heat.
6. Reduce your showers by 5 minutes and install a low-flow showerhead, which requires less energy than a regular showerhead.
7. Cut down on excess packaging and bags. Look for products that aren't wrapped with a lot of unnecessary plastic or cardboard. Bring cloth or reusable bags with you when you go shopping and ask the cashier to place your purchases in them instead of using another plastic bag.
8. Air dry your clothes instead of using an electric dryer. This is especially true in the spring and summer, when the weather is warm and the sun can do the job of drying for you.
9. Install double pane windows in your home and increase the amount of insulation you have. They will help your home retain warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a large family, you may want to assign "energy tasks" to each member. Not only does this divide up the work, but it can help increase overall awareness of good energy habits, which helps reduce your bills as well as combat global warming.