How to Do Your Part to Stop Global Warming

" Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation."

Carbon dioxide and other air pollutants collect in the atmosphere, trapping in the sun's heat. The good news, is that there are simple steps you can take to take, to help do your part in the fight against global warming!

Step 1: Your Home

Lights

One of the easiest things you can do, to help with global warming, is change your light bulbs. Start using Compact Fluorescent bulbs. It takes about three CF bulbs to use the same amount of energy as one traditional light bulb. Plus, they last longer.

Turn off the lights when you leave the room, you don't need them on, so why have them on? It will save the world, and money.

General Electricity Usage

Even when one of your electronic devices is turned off, it still uses electricity. So buy a power strip, and just unplug it whenever you aren't using your stuff.

Don't leave your computer on all day. If you won't turn it off, at least put it on hibernate or stand by when you're gone.

Don't run your dishwasher, unless it's totally full

Air dry your clothes, instead of using the dryer

Take shorter showers, and use a low-flow shower head

The House

Make sure all of your walls and ceilings are insulated.

Switch to double pane windows, they keep more heat in your home.

Buy some caulk and weather stripping for you doors and windows that sometimes leak out air.

Wives will like this one - Replace those old energy inefficient appliances, in favor of newer ones that use less energy.

Ask your electric company if you can purchase renewable energy. It will cost more, but you'll have piece of mind.

A low flow toilet is a good idea too. Toto and American Standard Cadet are two brands that are supposed to make good low flow toilets.

Water Heater

Insulate your water heater, and turn it down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit

Switch to a tank less heater..water will be heated as needed, instead of keeping a tank of heated water.

Step 2: Air Conditioning

Your A/C unit uses a lot of electricity, so here are some methods to turn that down some:

Put on a sweater, or grab a blanket during winter months, as opposed to turning up the heat.

Change the filter on your A/C unit as recommended.

While you're not home, turn off the air conditioning, or heating. If you can't do this (it's too humid, or something), don't have the air as cold as you normally would, or the heat as hot. (Sorry that sounds so weird..it's hard to be clear on what i mean when I say raise or lower)

If it's cool out side, open a window, and turn off the air conditioning.

Use a ceiling fan, instead of the air conditioning, when you can. But make sure to turn the fan off when you leave the room.

Step 3: The Car

The all together best way to save on the energy your car uses is...Use it less! Walk, or ride a bike when you can. Not only does it save on gas, but you will get healthier as well! But if you have to use the car, try some of the following methods:

Carpool to school or work.

Try Hypermiling

Check often that your tires are fully inflated

Change your car's air filter monthly

Buy a better car

Choose from some of the following better options, when buying a new car:

Diesel

Hybrid

Alternative source of energy (Yay cooking grease!)

Step 4: Be a Tree Hugger

Plants absorb carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide causes global warming...Plants are Good!

Plant a tree

Buy only 100% recycled paper

Recycle paper, plastic, and glass

Buy food that come in minimal packaging, so that you have less to throw out.

When you go to the store, bring your own tote bag, so that you don't have to waste plastic or paper bags.

Let me know of any other energy saving ideas that you have!