The Most Important Things
By Mike Carberry As I travel the state of Iowa
either promoting renewable energy or fighting global warming, I am
constantly asked what are the most important things that we can do to
solve the huge problem of climate change. There are many things that we
can do both individually and as a group to fight global warming. Here
are ten easy ones. 1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Do
your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of
disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging will help to reduce
waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass
and aluminum cans. If there isnt a recycling program at your
workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. 2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning Adding
insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or
caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more
than 25 percent. Turn down the heat while youre sleeping at night or
away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. 3. Change a Light Bulb Wherever
practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light
bulbs (CFLs). Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a
CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10
times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and
give off 70 percent less heat. 4. Drive Less and Drive Smart Less
driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and
biking are great forms of exercise. Explore your communitys mass
transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work or school.
When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. 5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products When
its time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage.
Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, Avoid
products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and
other packaging that can't be recycled. 6. Use Less Hot Water Set
your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an
insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow
showerheads to save hot water. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water
to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it.
Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher and let the dishes
air-dry. 7. 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. And remember to
turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you're
not using them. 8. Plant a Tree If
you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During
photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give
off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric
exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully
counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic,
manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb
approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime. 9. Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company Many
utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers
identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In
addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for
the cost of energy-efficient upgrades. 10. Advocate for the Environment Share
information about recycling, energy conservation and global warming
with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to
encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are
good for the environment. Get active and be a squeaky wheel.
These 10 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. Mike Carberry 2029 Friendship St. Iowa City IA 52245
Blog For Iowa 