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The Planet Earth Thread

Re: MJJC Legacy Project - Planet Earth

Hopefully it's ok to post this in this thread.

http://www.epa.gov/earthday/

Take Action Every Day


Step 1: Commit to Action

Do more to protect the environment by choosing at least five actions you'll commit to. Pick Five also helps you identify more actions you can take.
Step 2: Share What You're Doing

Let others know what you committed to through Pick Five. Show the actions you've taken. Share your:
Step 3: Get Involved

protect_girl.jpg


At home and in the garden
At work
At school
While shopping
In your community
On the road

"(We can change the world), I can't do it by myself" :angel:
 
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Re: Planet Earth

I am reading this article and thinking it is good to share here

Wasteful Things You Can Live Without


from http://www.care2.com/greenliving/25-wasteful-things-you-can-live-without.html

  1. Tin foil — Use an oven-safe pot or dish with a lid.
  2. Plastic wrap — Instead, use a container with a lid.
  3. Disposable cleaning cloths, dusters, etc. — Use a microfiber cloth that can be washed.
  4. Paper towels — Use a tea towel, instead.
  5. Disposable pens — Buy a good pen that only needs the ink well changed.
  6. Paper plates — Washing dishes may be an effort, but it’s worth it.
  7. Paper or plastic single-use grocery bags — Get a few reusable bags.
  8. Packaged fruits and vegetables — Produce does not need to be packaged.
  9. Individually wrapped snacks — Snacks travel better anyway in a hard container.
  10. Plastic cutlery — Use the metal stuff.
  11. Paper plates — Washing dishes may be an effort, but it’s worth it.
  12. Paper or plastic single-use grocery bags — Get a few reusable bags.
  13. Packaged fruits and vegetables — Produce does not need to be packaged.
  14. Individually wrapped snacks — Snacks travel better anyway in a hard container.
  15. Disposable razors — Invest in a razor that only needs the blades changed.
  16. Juice boxes — Put juice in a reusable container (not plastic).
  17. Electric pencil sharpeners — Use the hand-crank version of days gone by.
  18. Disposable diapers — Cloth diapers aren’t that much more difficult to use.
  19. Disposable cloths — Fabric cloths can be washed regularly to avoid bacterial or viral build-up.
  20. Plastic cups — Stick to reusable cups.
  21. Bottled water — Install a water filter on your tap or pick up a water jug with a filter.
  22. Non-rechargeable batteries — Make the investment for rechargeable batteries and you’ll save money in the long run.
  23. Electric can openers — Use a little muscle.
  24. Single-serving pudding or yogurt cups — Buy a large container of yogurt or make your own pudding, and send it in a reusable container.
  25. Antibacterial wipes — If you must, use a gel hand sanitizer.
  26. Disposable table cloths — Spills are a reality of life; just clean them up as they happen.
  27. Facial tissues — Unless you have a bad cold, a handkerchief will work just fine.
  28. Paper billing — Switch to e-billing for your bank statement, credit card bill, utility bill, etc.
  29. Plasticized sticky notes — Use the original paper sticky notes; they can be recycled when you’re done with them

:)
 
Re: Planet Earth

MJJNJ said:
I am reading this article and thinking it is good to share here

Wasteful Things You Can Live Without


from http://www.care2.com/greenliving/25-wasteful-things-you-can-live-without.html

  1. Tin foil — Use an oven-safe pot or dish with a lid.
  2. Plastic wrap — Instead, use a container with a lid.
  3. Disposable cleaning cloths, dusters, etc. — Use a microfiber cloth that can be washed.
  4. Paper towels — Use a tea towel, instead.
  5. Disposable pens — Buy a good pen that only needs the ink well changed.
  6. Paper plates — Washing dishes may be an effort, but it’s worth it.
  7. Paper or plastic single-use grocery bags — Get a few reusable bags.
  8. Packaged fruits and vegetables — Produce does not need to be packaged.
  9. Individually wrapped snacks — Snacks travel better anyway in a hard container.
  10. Plastic cutlery — Use the metal stuff.
  11. Paper plates — Washing dishes may be an effort, but it’s worth it.
  12. Paper or plastic single-use grocery bags — Get a few reusable bags.
  13. Packaged fruits and vegetables — Produce does not need to be packaged.
  14. Individually wrapped snacks — Snacks travel better anyway in a hard container.
  15. Disposable razors — Invest in a razor that only needs the blades changed.
  16. Juice boxes — Put juice in a reusable container (not plastic).
  17. Electric pencil sharpeners — Use the hand-crank version of days gone by.
  18. Disposable diapers — Cloth diapers aren’t that much more difficult to use.
  19. Disposable cloths — Fabric cloths can be washed regularly to avoid bacterial or viral build-up.
  20. Plastic cups — Stick to reusable cups.
  21. Bottled water — Install a water filter on your tap or pick up a water jug with a filter.
  22. Non-rechargeable batteries — Make the investment for rechargeable batteries and you’ll save money in the long run.
  23. Electric can openers — Use a little muscle.
  24. Single-serving pudding or yogurt cups — Buy a large container of yogurt or make your own pudding, and send it in a reusable container.
  25. Antibacterial wipes — If you must, use a gel hand sanitizer.
  26. Disposable table cloths — Spills are a reality of life; just clean them up as they happen.
  27. Facial tissues — Unless you have a bad cold, a handkerchief will work just fine.
  28. Paper billing — Switch to e-billing for your bank statement, credit card bill, utility bill, etc.
  29. Plasticized sticky notes — Use the original paper sticky notes; they can be recycled when you’re done with them

:)
Click to expand...

Very nice MJJNJ. Great tips!!!! :clapping::yes::wub:
 
Re: Planet Earth

If you want to buy new clothes, shop green.
Why not try clothes made of bamboo?

Botanically categorized as a grass, bamboo might just be the world's most sustainable resource. It's the fastest-growing grass on the planet, and can shoot up a yard or more in a day. Bamboo doesn't require replanting after harvesting because its huge root network continually sprouts new shoots -- which collect greenhouse gases and clean the environment.
 
Re: Planet Earth

MIST said:
If you want to buy new clothes, shop green.
Why not try clothes made of bamboo?

Botanically categorized as a grass, bamboo might just be the world's most sustainable resource. It's the fastest-growing grass on the planet, and can shoot up a yard or more in a day. Bamboo doesn't require replanting after harvesting because its huge root network continually sprouts new shoots -- which collect greenhouse gases and clean the environment.
Click to expand...

This is a great idea MIST. Are clothes made of bamboo easy to find? Thank you for posting this. :better::angel:
 
Re: Planet Earth

I just search for bamboo clothes online
I haven´t seen bamboo clothes in shops here but I guess there are more in other countries.
They don´t have to use chemicals when the bamboo is growing but they use more or less chemicals later in the process.
http://organicclothing.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/09/bamboo-facts-be.html
Bamboo grows in China and I don´t know if they care so much about workers safety in factories there but I´m sure that they can produce it more eco-friendly if we demand it.

You can also buy skirts made of recycled saris
https://shop.thechildhealthsite.com/store/item.do?siteId=314&itemId=34615
 
Re: Planet Earth

I only do what I can do in the corner of the Planet?Earth.

tikutikuwa
 
Here is a great site that I visit frequently. I found it by buying Yoga DVD's and gear. I have also purchased PJ's and other items. Here is the website and some info. While they focus on personal growth, health and transformation, they are an echo-friendly company as well.

Gaiam
http://www.gaiam.com/
Gaiam is a lifestyle media company that focuses on conscious solutions for personal transformation. We offer the resources you need to achieve self-growth, live a healthy lifestyle or to positively transform your life. Our personal growth media empowers you to create your own personal development path toward the life transformation you seek.

About Gaiam

At Gaiam we know that positive change comes from within. Our focus on personal development, health & wellness and global consciousness shows us this path to transformation. Here you’ll find inspirational media and solutions for healthy living, environmental wellness and renewal of spirit. Since 1988, our mission has been to reach those who share our values of commitment to the well-being of people and the planet.
 
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Re: Planet Earth

if we all do at least 1 thing, WE CAN make a change. I dont blow my hair and safe power through turning of lights when im not in the room.. or use candles
 
I´m not sure if it was in this thread I first read about wash nuts.
I use them for my laundry and I´m satisfied with them.
 
Re: The Planet Earth Thread (new post - #47)

Thread is closed to clean Spam

Thread is now Open :)
 
Re: MJJC Legacy Project - Planet Earth

Thank you for this wonderful thread.
Here's some info I pulled from a great website with loads of stuff to read and watch. Our earth is in our hands...


Earth Protect : Using video and social communications to inspire people to take positive action leading to a sustainable future - worldwide.

Earth Protect is an online community and social hub advocating personal action for global sustainability using video and digital content created by passionate, talented people from novice to expert. We believe in the power to move people to action through creating and viewing compelling video.

At Earth Protect, you can view videos and blogs on 32 different sustainability issues, expand the conversation by commenting on posts, blogs and videos, or create your own content. Here you can find the inspiration globally to create your own impact locally. Or better yet, be the inspiration for others. Educators, students, interested businesses, filmmakers and those interested in creating a more sustainable planet will find information here that supports, challenges and expands their current understanding of the issues facing our worldwide society.

Simply becoming a member of this global community is your first step toward a more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable planet.

JOIN earthprotect.com/community -Best Organic has wonderful baskets in our Store.

Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Video Contest "On the Edge: Hope for Animals & Their World" is hosted on Earth Protect. Click here to see the winning videos.

Earth Protect welcomes 3 new nonprofit partners, Scripps Photobiology Group, Pacific Blue Foundation and IDEP Foundation Indonesia. Check them out in the Nonprofits Section.

Go from "From Image to Action" with Earth Protect!

http://www.earthprotect.com/
 
Re: The Planet Earth Thread (new post - #47)

Michael Jackson:

Imitated... Impersonated

But NEVER duplicated... we love? you Michael Jackson... RIP
 
Re: The Planet Earth Thread (new post - #47)

losed for spam temporarily.
 
kewl_mag_happy_earth_day.jpg


50 Ways to Save the Planet

Reduce | Reuse | Recycle | Live Healthily | Give |

REDUCE

No styrofoam ~ Be sure to cross styrofoam cups off your shopping list. With the amount of foam cups we use each year, we could circle the earth 436 times.
Buy in bulk Buy products with less packaging or buy in bulk. And always choose paper or cardboard, which biodegrade, over plastic.
Home water filter Instead of loading up on bottled water, install a water filter on your home faucet. That $5 filter will give you 40,000 8-ounce glasses of purified tap water.

Low-flow showerhead ~ Save water by taking shorter showers and installing a low-flow showerhead. Low-flow showerheads can reduce the water flow up to 50 percent.

Low-flow toilet ~ Don't flush money down the toilet. A low-flush toilet uses half the water but still does the job.

Support local farmers ~ On average, your food has traveled 1200 miles just to get to your plate. Shopping at farmers' markets, co-ops and CSAs allows you to buy directly from the people who grow the food. (See 100 mile diet)

Reduce your junk mail ~ An estimated 4 million tons (34 pounds per person) of paper junk mail are sent each year in the U.S. and nearly half of it is never opened. If 100,000 people stopped their junk mail, we could save up to 150,000 trees each year. Make your office green We use so much office paper that we could build a 12-foot-high paper wall from New York to Los Angeles every year. Make your office greener by making double sided copies, sending office memos over e-mail and shredding waste paper for packing material.

Limit your brochures ~ When you consider the number of visitors hosted at popular tourists attractions every year, you can see what a waste of paper one brochure per person really is. Don't take a brochure unless you really need one. Then return it so someone else can use it.

Eliminate pesticides ~ Home gardeners use up to 10 times more toxic chemicals per acre than farmers. Use organic alternatives and beneficial insects instead.

Use natural cleaners ~ Replace chemical cleaners with non-toxic products. Most ingredients can already be found in your kitchen.

Build a greener home ~ Ensure your family's health while living in a beautiful home that sustains the environment.

Switch to solar energy ~ In one day, the sun provides more energy than our population could use in 27 years. Make the switch to sunlight — it doesn't pollute and it's free.

Plant shade trees ~ Shade trees outside your home can reduce the temperature inside by 10 to 20 degrees, and save you $100 to $250 a year in electricity.

Buy a mulching lawnmower ~ To take care of your yard without bagging or burning leaves and lawn clippings, get a mulching lawnmower that spreads the grass clippings back on the lawn, where they decompose and feed the soil.

Share a ride ~ Most cars on U.S. roads carry only one person, leaving enough room in our cars for everyone in western Europe to ride with us. Consider car-pooling and public transportation.

Keep your car tuned ~ Keeping your car in good working condition will not only make your car last longer, it will make it more fuel-efficient.

Drive a hybrid ~ When in the market for a new vehicle, consider buying a hybrid. A hybrid can reduce smog pollution by 90 percent compared with the cleanest vehicles on the road today.

Use compact fluorescent bulbs ~ They last 10 times longer and use only one-fourth of the energy compared to incandescent light bulbs.

Turn ups, turn downs ~ Turn your thermostat down three degrees in the winter and up three degrees in the summer. You can prevent the emission of nearly 1100 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Use a notebook computer ~ Save energy in your home office by switching to a laptop. Notebook computers are 90 percent more energy-efficient than desktop computers. They run on rechargeable batteries, and have energy-saving features like low-energy display screens and automatic sleep modes.

Get unplugged ~ TVs and VCRs that are turned "off" cost us nearly a billion dollars a year in electricity. Unplugging them is the only way to ensure that they are not using any energy.

Wash in cold water ~ When it comes time to do the laundry, you can cut your energy use and washing costs in half by switching to cold water.

Front-loading dryers ~ You'll save even more money using front-loading dryers.

REUSE

Buy reusable products ~ Every year, we throw away 2 billion disposable razors and blades and we could circle the planet from end to end with the amount of disposable cameras we use yearly. Buy reusable items rather than single-use products.

Reusable coffee filters ~ One cloth filter can replace over 300 paper filters, which means that fewer trees will be cut down.

Clean spills with cloth ~ Twenty-seven million trees a year are destroyed to support our paper towel addiction. Clean up your spills with cotton kitchen towels or old clothes.

Rechargeable batteries ~ We buy 5 billion batteries every year. Trouble is, they're not biodegradable and they're full of toxic heavy metals that could leak into landfills. What's the answer? Rechargeable batteries. Each rechargeable battery can replace between 50 and 300 throwaway batteries.

Reuse greeting cards ~ Even greeting cards can be reused. Cut off the fronts and use them as postcards, or send the fronts to St. Jude's Ranch for Children. The kids re-mount greeting cards and sell them to raise money for college.

RECYCLE

Recycle your cans ~ Every month, we throw away enough aluminum to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet. Recycled, that aluminum would be worth $600 million by year's end.

Look inside the triangle ~ Plastic can only be recycled a limited number of times. Plastics labeled with #1 or #2 are most easily recycled, so look for a number inside the triangle on the bottom of most plastic containers.

Recycle the news ~ Americans throw away 44 million newspapers every day. That's 500,000 trees a week, which is a good reason to recycle your paper or read it online.

Recycle your bicycle ~ Keep your bicycle in shape the way you would your car. When it's time to get rid of it, recycle. You'd be amazed at what is being made out of recycled bicycle parts.

LIVE HEALTHILY

Use glass instead of plastic ~ Especially for short-term food storage. Plastic packaging leaves chemical residues on foods stored or heated in it.

Clean the air with indoor plants ~ The air in the average home is far more dangerous than the air outside. Open your windows or clean the air with plants that eliminate airborne toxins.

Walk or bike ~ Twenty-five percent of all car trips are less than a mile long. So get in gear and get some pollution-free exercise.

Wet, not dry cleaning ~ As for dry cleaning — red alert. Clothes are doused with a cancer-causing chemical called "perchloroethylene." Look for a wet cleaner instead. These companies use delicate soaps, liquid carbon dioxide or silicone to wash your clothes.

Buy organic food ~ Organic foods are grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers — a healthier option not only for you, but also the planet.

Hold on to your balloons ~ At children's parties, don't let mylar balloons fly away. They can end up in a lake or ocean, where a sea animal might choke on them.

Eat fish carefully ~ Sea life around the globe is being threatened by everything from pollution to over-fishing. We are quickly running out of seafood in general and in the process, destroying the ecosystem in which they live. Choose your seafood responsibly. Excellent choices: mahi mahi, Pacific cod.

Plant a school garden ~ By planting a garden, students can learn about the connection between what they eat and where it comes from, while getting hands-on experience in planting, digging and cultivating.

GIVE

Buy carbon offsets ~ Air traffic is a prime contributor to global warming so, when you fly, give some money to a company that invests in projects to reduce carbon dioxide — like planting trees.

Go on a service vacation ~ Take a vacation that's good for you and the environment. These volunteer vacations are offered at unique destinations around the world. You can help maintain trails, remove invasive plants, and even assist with wildlife habitat preservation.

Donate with a credit card ~ You can also donate money to charity simply by using your credit card when you shop. Select service organizations have agreements with credit card companies where each time you use that card, a small donation goes to their organization at no charge to you.

Donate old paint cans ~ Most paints contain metals that are hazardous to the environment when thrown away. Donate your leftover paint to your local theater company instead. Your neighborhood recycling center can also suggest drop-off points.

Donate your car to charity ~ Your car doesn't even have to be running and part of the proceeds will benefit the cause of your choice.

Donate your cell phone ~ Cell phone technology changes so rapidly that it's hard to keep up. But what do you do with your old phone? Don't throw your old cell phones away and don't let them sit in the bottom of your junk drawer at home. Here's the best thing to do with an unused cell phone: donate it.

Donate your computer ~ Giving away your old computer can do a lot of good, too. Not only does it keep potentially hazardous materials out of landfills, it also puts a computer in the hands of someone who needs it.

Green Investments ~ Here's a way to make a difference, and maybe make some money, too. Invest in socially responsible funds and companies. These investments perform as well, if not better than alternative investment options.

Spread the word ~ You've altered your house, your car and your lifestyle. Think you're finished? Well you're not... because there's still one more thing that you can do: Spread the word.


100 Mile Diet ~ When the average North American sits down to eat, each ingredient has typically travelled at least 1,500 miles. Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon lived for a year on food produced within 100 miles of their home. Could you?

The Sources:

fineliving.com

http://www.matessa.org/~mike/50ways.htm
 
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kewl_mag_happy_earth_day.jpg


50 Ways to Conserve Energy

Here is a list of 50 simple things that everyone can do in order to fight against and reduce the Global Warming phenomenon: some of them are at no cost, some other require a little investment but can help you save a lot of money, in the middle-long term!


Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (cfl) ~ CFLs use 60% less energy than a regular bulb. This simple switch will save about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Install a programmable thermostat ~ Programmable thermostats will automatically lower the heat or air conditioning at night and raise them again in the morning. They can save you $100 a year on your energy bill.

Move your thermostat down 2° in winter and up 2° in summer ~ Almost half of the energy we use in our homes goes to heating and cooling. You could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy has more tips for saving energy on heating and cooling.

Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner ~ Cleaning a dirty air filter can save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases ~ Look for the Energy Star label on new appliances to choose the most efficient models available.

Do not leave appliances on standby ~ Use the “on/off” function on the machine itself. A TV set that’s switched on for 3 hours a day (the average time Europeans spend watching TV) and in standby mode during the remaining 21 hours uses about 40% of its energy in standby mode.

Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket ~ You’ll save 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple action. You can save another 550 pounds per year by setting the thermostat no higher than 50°C.

Move your fridge and freezer ~ Placing them next to the cooker or boiler consumes much more energy than if they were standing on their own. For example, if you put them in a hot cellar room where the room temperature is 30-35ºC, energy use is almost double and causes an extra 160kg of CO2 emissions for fridges per year and 320kg for freezers.

Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly ~ Even better is to replace them with newer models, which all have automatic defrost cycles and are generally up to two times more energy-efficient than their predecessors.

Don’t let heat escape from your house over a long period ~ When airing your house, open the windows for only a few minutes. If you leave a small opening all day long, the energy needed to keep it warm inside during six cold months (10ºC or less outside temperature) would result in almost 1 ton of CO2 emissions.

Replace your old single-glazed windows with double-glazing ~ This requires a bit of upfront investment, but will halve the energy lost through windows and pay off in the long term. If you go for the best the market has to offer (wooden-framed double-glazed units with low-emission glass and filled with argon gas), you can even save more than 70% of the energy lost.

Get a home energy audit ~ Many utilities offer free home energy audits to find where your home is poorly insulated or energy inefficient. You can save up to 30% off your energy bill and 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Energy Star can help you find an energy specialist.

Cover your pots while cooking ~ Doing so can save a lot of the energy needed for preparing the dish. Even better are pressure cookers and steamers: they can save around 70%!

Use the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full ~ If you need to use it when it is half full, then use the half-load or economy setting. There is also no need to set the temperatures high. Nowadays detergents are so efficient that they get your clothes and dishes clean at low temperatures.

Take a shower instead of a bath ~ A shower takes up to four times less energy than a bath. To maximise the energy saving, avoid power showers and use low-flow showerheads, which are cheap and provide the same comfort.

Use less hot water ~ It takes a lot of energy to heat water. You can use less hot water by installing a low flow showerhead (350 pounds of carbon dioxide saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds saved per year) instead of hot.

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible ~ You can save 700 pounds of carbon dioxide when you air dry your clothes for 6 months out of the year.

Insulate and weatherize your home ~ Properly insulating your walls and ceilings can save 25% of your home heating bill and 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Caulking and weather-stripping can save another 1,700 pounds per year. Energy Efficient has more information on how to better insulate your home.

Be sure you’re recycling at home ~ You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide a year by recycling half of the waste your household generates. Earth 911 can help you find recycling resources in your area.

Recycle your organic waste ~ Around 3% of the greenhouse gas emissions through the methane is released by decomposing bio-degradable waste. By recycling organic waste or composting it if you have a garden, you can help eliminate this problem! Just make sure that you compost it properly, so it decomposes with sufficient oxygen, otherwise your compost will cause methane emissions and smell foul.

Buy intelligently ~ One bottle of 1.5l requires less energy and produces less waste than three bottles of 0.5l. As well, buy recycled paper products: it takes less 70 to 90% less energy to make recycled paper and it prevents the loss of forests worldwide.

Choose products that come with little packaging and buy refills when you can ~ You will also cut down on waste production and energy use!

Reuse your shopping bag ~ When shopping, it saves energy and waste to use a reusable bag instead of accepting a disposable one in each shop. Waste not only discharges CO2 and methane into the atmosphere, it can also pollute the air, groundwater and soil.

Reduce waste ~ Most products we buy cause greenhouse gas emissions in one or another way, e.g. during production and distribution. By taking your lunch in a reusable lunch box instead of a disposable one, you save the energy needed to produce new lunch boxes.

Plant a tree ~ A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Shade provided by trees can also reduce your air conditioning bill by 10 to 15%. The Arbor Day Foundation has information on planting and provides trees you can plant with membership.

Switch to green power ~ In many areas, you can switch to energy generated by clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar. The Green Power Network is a good place to start to figure out what’s available in your area.

Buy locally grown and produced foods ~ The average meal in the United States travels 1,200 miles from the farm to your plate. Buying locally will save fuel and keep money in your community.

Buy fresh foods instead of frozen ~ Frozen food uses 10 times more energy to produce.

Seek out and support local farmers markets ~ They reduce the amount of energy required to grow and transport the food to you by one fifth. You can find a farmer’s market in your area at the USDA website.

Buy organic foods as much as possible ~ Organic soils capture and store carbon dioxide at much higher levels than soils from conventional farms. If we grew all of our corn and soybeans organically, we’d remove 580 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere!

Eat less meat ~ Methane is the second most significant greenhouse gas and cows are one of the greatest methane emitters. Their grassy diet and multiple stomachs cause them to produce methane, which they exhale with every breath.

Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible ~ Avoiding just 10 miles of driving every week would eliminate about 500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year! Look for transit options in your area.

Start a carpool with your coworkers or classmates ~ Sharing a ride with someone just 2 days a week will reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 1,590 pounds a year. eRideShare.com runs a free national service connecting commuters and travelers.

Don’t leave an empty roof rack on your car ~ This can increase fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10% due to wind resistance and the extra weight – removing it is a better idea.

Keep your car tuned up ~ Regular maintenance helps improve fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. When just 1% of car owners properly maintain their cars, nearly a billion pounds of carbon dioxide are kept out of the atmosphere.

Drive carefully and do not waste fuel ~ You can reduce CO2 emissions by readjusting your driving style. Choose proper gears, do not abuse the gas pedal, use the engine brake instead of the pedal brake when possible and turn off your engine when your vehicle is motionless for more than one minute. By readjusting your driving style you can save money on both fuel and car maintenance.

Check your tires weekly to make sure they’re properly inflated ~ Proper inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3%. Since every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, every increase in fuel efficiency makes a difference!

When it is time for a new car, choose a more fuel efficient vehicle ~ You can save 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide every year if your new car gets only 3 miles per gallon more than your current one. You can get up to 60 miles per gallon with a hybrid!

Try car sharing ~ Need a car but don’t want to buy one? Community car sharing organizations provide access to a car and your membership fee covers gas, maintenance and insurance. Many companies – such as Flexcar – offer low emission or hybrid cars too!

Try telecommuting from home ~ Telecommuting can help you drastically reduce the number of miles you drive every week.

Fly less ~ Air travel produces large amounts of emissions so reducing how much you fly by even one or two trips a year can reduce your emissions significantly. You can also offset your air travel by investing in renewable energy projects.

Encourage your school or business to reduce emissions ~ You can extend your positive influence on global warming well beyond your home by actively encouraging other to take action.

Encourage the switch to renewable energy ~ Successfully combating global warming requires a national transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass. These technologies are ready to be deployed more widely but there are regulatory barriers impeding them.

Consider the impact of your investments ~ If you invest your money, you should consider the impact that your investments and savings will have on global warming. Check out Ceres to can learn more about how to ensure your money is being invested in companies, products and projects that address issues related to climate change.

Make your city cool ~ Cities and states around the country have taken action to stop global warming by passing innovative transportation and energy saving legislation. 194 cities nationwide representing over 40 million people have made this pledge as part of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Find out how to make your city a cool city.

Tell Congress to act ~ The McCain Lieberman Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act would set a firm limit on carbon dioxide emissions and then use free market incentives to lower costs, promote efficiency and spur innovation. Tell your representative to support it.

Make sure your voice is heard! ~ Americans must have a stronger commitment from their government in order to stop global warming and implement solutions and such a commitment won’t come without a dramatic increase in citizen lobbying for new laws with teeth. Get the facts about U.S. politicians and candidates at Project Vote Smart and The League of Conservation Voters. Make sure your voice is heard by voting!

The Source:
http://lightbulbs.org/50-ways-to-conserve-energy
 
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