How to Help the Arctic Refuge

Global warming effects us all but after seeing an Arctic Tale, you will know what is effected the most. The Arctic is in distress and changing more rapidly with every season due to global warming. In 2040 there may not be any ice in the Arctic at all. The ice is what keeps the mammal's like seals, polar bears and walrus's afloat to hunt, rest and survive. It is now to the point where, they need to swim for days sometimes weeks, to find a place to rest and live because hunting is virtually impossible. It is abundantly clear that the Arctic habitat needs our help. The Arctic is home to polar bears, foxes, seals, penguins, walrus's. Yet it is also responsible for our vanishing creatures such as polar bears. Yet, for all its unique beauty, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge remains under assault and in great danger. Year after year, mammals die and hunting is virtually impossible that they may swim to a rock island or a block of ice, taking them days even weeks. Isn't it time that this special gem of a place receive the protection it deserves? Arctic National Wildlife Refuge danger is greater than ever.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Awareness
• educate yourself

1. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). When buying light bulbs make sure they are energy start light bulbs. These bulbs work just as good as regular bulbs. You will feel better knowing you are doing something to make a difference. They may cost a bit more but worth every dime. You'll also love your electric bill!
2. Recycle, reuse, reduce! This has never been more important or more such an intregal part of saving our planet than right now.
   It really makes a difference. Make the effort tossing water bottles, soup cans, sauce jars away in a seperate garbage pail.
3. Turn off your car Off! Even while doing quick errands, even if it is just for 5 minutes.... it's better for your car anyway. Try walking, taking public transportation or riding a bike. Make a commitment to cut down on driving. You will save money you spend on gas too.
4. Let them know you care!
   Write to your representatives in Congress and in the state legislature and tell them that clearing the air and slowing global warming are important to you. Implore them to support actions to reduce carbon pollution and save energy.
5. Initiate a Go Green program on the job or in the neighborhood. I find that not enough buildings are going green. But there are a few companies are now even adopting parks, building trees and plants for a cooler greener planet.
   
   Look into the assistance available through The EPA's Green Lights or Climate Wise programs.
6. Make sure office equipment like photocopiers and computers are Energy Star compliant. Also ask your employer to consider employee benefits for commuting by bicycle or mass transit.
7. Get Involved. Give a speech or invite a guest speaker to your local school, place of worship or your library. Start a local initiative targeted at reducing the community's impact on climate.
   AND Of course you can also support Clean Air-Cool Planet by making a tax-deductible donation as I did.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember every little bit counts. The next time you buy a product from green works or seventh generation, know you are making a difference
• Learn more so you can do more