How to Minimize the Effects of Global Warming

There are many things that each person can do to stop global warming. The collective impact of individuals working together can make a difference. Simple acts to conserve energy, minimize waste and consume smarter products can help us preserve the planet from further warming.

Instructions

1. Recycle everything that you can. There is so much post consumer waste ending up in landfills that can be reused. Most people are recycling plastic, paper, glass, aluminum and metal cans, but few know that they can recycle other products like their cast away electronics, carpeting and furniture. Check the Resources section for links at the bottom of the page for suggestions and contacts on recycling almost everything.

2. Use bags that you can buy for $1 or less that are reusable when you shop. Those plastic bags really add up over the course of a year. If you don't want to buy reusable bags, consider refusing the bag when you are just buying one or two items at a store. If you have your receipt, there won't be a problem if you go to other places for additional shopping. When your load gets too uncomfortable to carry, ask for a bag that you can put all your items in.

3. Buy Energy Star appliances. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a program where it measures the energy demands that electronic appliances make and rewards those that are the most conservative users of electricity or gas with the Energy Star label. Buying these appliances will make a big difference in your carbon footprint. If you have to air condition your home in the summer, get high SEER air conditioners. If you have to heat your home in the winter, switch to an EPA certified wood stove to use either wood pellets or renewable firewood resources.

4. Turn off the stove and oven by using solar cookers and solar ovens. Nearly everyone can use a solar oven to cook their food, especially in the summer when the sun is shining high in the sky. Many solar cooks use their ovens during the winter months as well, although the food may take a little longer to cook. If you have a sunny patio at work, you can also heat your lunch using a solar oven or cooker. Once you buy or make a solar oven, there is virtually no more expenses related to using them. The food produced in a solar oven is surprisingly delicious. Check the Resources section for a link to Solar Cookers International to learn how you can reduce global warming yourself and how people in other countries are using solar cooking techniques to reduce deforestation and air pollution.

5. Become a locavore by eating foods grown within 100 miles of your homes. In some places it is a viable possibility, although it won't work everywhere year-round. By eating foods that are locally grown, you are helping the local economy as well as cutting way back on the fuel that is needed to bring food to your grocery store.

6. Eat less meat. Calorie for calorie, protein from meat sources is far more polluting than any other protein source on the planet.

7. Plant your own garden if you have a space to do it. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is one of the most cost-effective ways to eat, and nothing could be more local than your own backyard garden. You might have a bumper crop of fruits and vegetables to can or freeze to eat when the food is off season. Use natural or organic fertilizers, soil amendments and pesticides.

8. Use solar lighting outdoors. Buy solar operated motion detectors, walkway lights, or get LED lights that consume almost no electricity.

9. Drive less or carpool. Ask your boss if you can telecommute a few days a week. Your next car could be a gas sipper or a hybrid that uses far less fuel to operate.

Tips & Warnings

• The more you conserve, the better. Using renewables is the best way to help the planet, especially solar products when you can.

Resources

• Things you can recycle
• Source for recycling carpet
• Suggestions about recycling furniture
• Solar Cookers International