Stop Global Warming by taking these actions
What is it? - a brief recap
Global warming is said to be primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels because these fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which helps to trap heat in the atmosphere thereby causing a slow warming effect on Earth. We burn such fossil fuels (e.g. coal, petrol, oil, gas) every second of the day to help produce our electricity, to power our vehicles and to produce materials which are in all manner of industry. Common sense suggests that obvious methods of dealing with this huge issue will include saving energy so less fuels are burned, and also by changing how your electriciy is supplied and vehicles powered (by avoiding the use of fossil fuels). Politicians and business should be playing a very leading role in this, but it seems they are sometimes reluctant to commit and need a little helping hand from us. So hopefully with some consumer and voter pressure we can encourage this important change. Business needs consumers to survive so we, as consumers, are in the ideal position to shape the future of business. Politicians need votes, so again, we as voters are in the prime position to make our feelings known and choose our leaders. If we don't take advantage of such things and do nothing the alternative is very likely to be a world in the future unrecognisable from today and one that our children's children may struggle to cope with. Collectively as indivuals we have enormous power, lets use it to the benefit of the wider world.
Save energy by:
- Turning off lightbulbs when they are not needed or being used for any reason. It is easy to forget we have left them on.
- Buy and use energy efficient lightbulbs. They may cost a little more in the shops, but they last much longer than ordinary light bulbs and cost you significantly less because they use much less electricity, so you actually save money in the longer term.
- Try not to leave appliances on stand-by mode or switched on unnecessarily. Over time this uses a surprisingly large amount of electricity which costs you money and wastes energy. Don't forget to switch off all of your electricals, including your home and work computers, televisions and mobile phone rechargers.
- Encourage better working practices in your workplace. You may or may not be a manager but if you can influence anyone where you work to do the simple things like switching off unused lights, computers and other appliances when they are not being used, then this will have an even bigger effect, not only on electricity bills, but also in helping to save energy. Plus by educating others to do this you may encourage them to act in their own homes.
- Use electrical appliances efficiently. It sounds simple but many of us, me included, can forget to do things such as only filling the kettle (or buy an eco kettle) or saucepans with the water we actually need rather than fill them up until they are full.
- Do you like gadgets? Well consider buying great eco gadgets which will save electricity use, reduce carbon emissions and help to give the world a more sustainable future. There are lots of very interesting eco gadgets listed.
- Think about your every day energy use. Don't leave refrigerator doors open for example; allow food to cool down at room temperature before putting it in your refridgerator; don't leave cold food out of the fridge when it is not being used.
- On dry days hang your clothes outside to dry rather than use electrical appliances such as tumble dryers. It does not have to be sunny, any dry day with a breeze will dry your clothes. You will save money too.
- Set central heating thermostats to appropriate temperatures. Set your water heating thermostat to a level of 60°C which will provide you with water that is hot enough, it does not need to be any higher than this. You may also be able to adjust your room thermostats by a degree or so lower too and find that, not only your house will still be comfortable, but that you will be saving money as well as helping to save energy. Don't leave electrical heaters on unless necessary. Not even on standby!
- Improve insulation in your home. Check your windows do not let in draughts.
Use curtains. Check your loft insulation is more
than sufficient. Insulate your hot water pipes and tanks.
Insulate your walls. You will certainly save energy, but also money. The more insulation you have the cheaper the costs to heat
your home and you will have a warmer home for longer periods of time. The site
Free Insulation will help you to evaluate whether you qualify for grants to help pay for your loft and cavity wall insulation.
Influence business by:
- Changing your electricity supplier to one that sources more or all of its energy from more environmentally friendly processes, such as alternative energies like solar, wind, tidal and wave power.
- Buy energy efficient products. Most electrical products should have efficiency ratings, try and purchase those which have the best ratings for energy efficiency.
- Buy energy efficent cars or even vehicles that are powered with fuel other than petrol.
- Use public transport, walk or buy and use a bicycle. The standard of public transport in some developed countries is not always as good as you would hope and this can be a disincentive to use it. However, by using public transport (or bicycles, or by walking) and not using your own vehicle, you are reducing the amount of pollution that is emitted, because your vehicle is not emitting so much. You can also put pressure on the relevant people to improve public transport. So if you can bear it, please think about using it if you don't already do so!
- Buy eco friendly for you and your home. We have listed a number of retailers who sell environmentally friendly products. The more customers who purchase such items, the more businesses will have to consider what they sell and how they produce it.
Influence politicians by:
- Voting appropriately in elections. They can be dull, very boring, and economical with the truth, but politicians still make our rules and laws and by doing so affect our lives and our world considerably. Take more of an interest in what their policies are, ask difficult questions, and use your right to free speech and your vote...it's so valuable! Some politicians unwisely don't give much credence to important world issues, they may say a nice few soundbites but the action just isn't there. Obviously there are a number of other things to think about come election time, but really how much will your life be affected if you vote for a more compassionate politician who wants to make the world a little fairer, safer and environmentally better?
- Write to your own member of parliament or representative in government. A letter can go a long way to making your opinion known. One that is intelligently written too will be influential. You have the right to express your opinion and voice your concerns so use it. More letters received equal more political persuasion and they do not take too long to write.
- Join and support charities and non-governmental organisations who have a say in international affairs and who actively promote positive change in your world. We provide links to some of the more well-known organisations and charities in our eco-links and charities sections.
The following website give you some more excellent advice and ideas on how to reduce the effects of climate change:
PreventClimateChange gives some practical steps you can take as an employer or consumer to help slow down the effect of climate change.
Please contact us with more ideas and suggestions to help reduce carbon emissions and prevent significant global warming and climate change.