How to Reduce Consumption to Help the Environment: Why Conservation Matters

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By Daniel J. Gansle
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Reduce Consumption to Help the Environment: Why Conservation Matters

Every day, we consume without even realizing it. Whether consuming energy, water, or natural resources, consumption has been a fact of life since the dawn of humanity. But with world population increasing each year in addition to energy and environmental problems such as declining oil supplies and global warming, it becomes even more important that we learn how to reduce our everyday consumption. In this article, we'll take a look at ways we can help the environment by consuming less.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Why Conservation Matters. Think of conservation as smart living. You use only what you need, and you're careful not to consume more than what your situation requires. For example, the less "stuff" we buy, the less we throw away in some faraway landfill. The less red meat we eat, the less global warming-causing carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere. The less we drive, the less gasoline we use, and the less we pollute. It's a very simple principle, actually: the less we consume, the less impact we have on the environment. It's better for our health and for the preservation of all that we need to sustain us.
Step 2

Energy Conservation: Electricity. Electricity in the United States is for the most part powered by one of two finite fossil fuels: coal or natural gas. When these two fuels are burned for electrical generation, it causes greenhouse gas emissions that rise up into our atmosphere and cause global warming. So when you flick that light switch or turn your air conditioning to down to 65 degrees instead of 75 degrees, remember that each such action affects global warming just as much as driving your car.
Step 3

Energy Conservation: Gasoline. Burning gasoline in your car also leads to global warming. Whether gas prices are lower or higher, combine your trips and don't drive unnecessarily. Make sure you keep your tires at the proper air pressure, and get your fuel injectors cleaned. Consider purchasing electric or rechargeable lawn and garden equipment. Consider purchasing a smaller, more energy-efficient car.
Step 4

Water Conservation. Water continues to be an issue as well, and global warming will only serve to cause droughts in more areas of the country, particularly in the west and southwest. The less water we consume, the less likely we will experience drought conditions in our area. Just little behavioral changes such as shortening shower times, turning off water while brushing one's teeth, purchasing an Energy Star washing machine, and making sure the dishwasher is completely full on every cycle will help conserve water. Xeriscaping is another consideration in the effort to conserve water, particularly in the hot and dry southwest areas of the country.

Comments

cherold598 said

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on 1/10/2009 Everyone needs to read this article. What a great cause.

kongluirong said

on 1/3/2009 Thank you so much! I do what I can, I'm a hypermiler and when I can afford a new car, it will definitely be smaller and gas efficient.

Kallicat said

on 12/28/2008 I'm glad to know I am already doing my part. We bought a smaller car earlier this year that uses less fuel. We also have our heat set in most rooms to 60 degrees and we use blankets. This should be a must read for all.

GilinAtlanta said

on 12/28/2008 Great article! We must have a plan for times like these when the oil tycoons are trying to undermine our nation's efforts to research alternate forms of energy. These low prices won't last for long and we must take advantage of the current economy to get the USA independent of foreign oil.