Global Warming

Scientists have determined that a number of human activities are contributing to global warming by adding excessive amount of greenhouse gases to atmosphere. As concentration of greenhouse gases grows, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere and less escape back into space. The increasing amount of trapped heat changes the climate an alters weather pattern, which may hasten species extinction, influence the length of season, cause coastal flooding, and lead to more frequent and severe storm.

You can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which in turn reduces global warming, by using energy more wisely. Here are some simple action you can take to help reduce global warming.

1. Reduce , Reuse, Recycle
Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable product instead of disposables. Recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans whenever you can. If there isn’t a recycling program t your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

2. Use Air Conditioning Moderately
Set the air conditioning at 250, not too hot, not too cold. A moderate AC usage can save up to 25 % of your electric consumption.

3. Change a Light Bulb
Replace regular light bulb with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb. A CFL bulb lasts 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and gave off 70 percent less heat. If everyone in the world replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 450 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 37.5 million cars off the road.

4. Drive Less and Drive Smart
Less driving means fewer emissions. Beside saving gasoline, walking and biking are great form of exercise. Explore your community’s mass transit system/public transportation, and check out options.

5. Buy Energy-Efficient Product
When it’s time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulb are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using for less energy than standard light bulbs.

6. Use the “Off” Switch
Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. Remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you’re not using them. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water when you’re not using it.

7. Plant a Tree
If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, tree and other plant absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

8. Encourage Other to Conserve

Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbor, and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for environment. These steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget. And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming.