Nowadays, you can’t help but encounter the occasional story on CNN regarding the unusually hot summers, mild winters, and melting glaciers in the Antarctic. Global warming is becoming an increasingly scary problem, as all living creatures and the environment are feeling the effects of overall higher temperatures on a worldwide scale. As scientists rush to come up with solutions to this very real and threatening issue, many promote a wide-range of prevention methods that could make the difference in either doubling global warming pollution by 2050 or cutting it in half.
How to Prevent Global Warming
To put a serious dent in the global warming problem, there are endless preventive measures to consider that involves individual, group, community, family, state, and country wide efforts. Some global warming prevention tips are as simple as changing a few habits within the household to more permanent measures, such as passing laws that directly decreases the issue. Below you will find 101 ways to become an active part of reversing the threatening trend of global warming:
1) Drive Less:
When you decrease the times you take the car out for a spin, you not only reduce the consumption of gas, but also reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that reaches the air.
2) Tree Planting:
Planting just one tree has the power to absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its life span.
3) Bike to the Store:
Not only will you receive a healthy dose of exercise, but you will also spare the environment the pollution caused by using your car as a main source of transportation.
4) Join a Carpool:
When you group up with co-workers living in the neighborhood and take one car to work, you will contribute to creating fewer cars on the road, which equals less pollution in the air.
5) Consider Public Transportation:
Your car doesn’t have to add to the air pollution woes in the world, leave it at home and rely on mass transit to take you to work, the mall, and other places in town. In the long run, you will also save money in gas when taking the bus, subway, or train.
6) Switch Light Bulbs:
When you replace a regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent, you will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. Once this type of light bulb burns out, it is also important to follow the proper procedures regarding disposal.
7) Recycle Household Waste:
Some households are able to save up to 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year when they recycle just half of their waste.
8. Buy Recycled Products:
When you support recycled products, you not only save energy and resources, but also reduce the amount of waste that accumulates in local landfills.
9) Start a Compost Pile:
While recycling centers take care of paper recycling and other items, such as batteries, plastics, and metals, starting a compost pile helps reprocess organic materials (egg shells, newspaper, and food scraps) into a nutrient-rich soil for gardens and other landscaping needs.
10) Check Your Tires:
When tires are inflated to their proper capacity, this is a sign of decent gas mileage. Each gallon of gas an individual is able to save – 20 pounds of carbon dioxide is withheld from affecting the atmosphere.
11) Follow Smart Driving Habits:
There are certain driving habits that lessen your role in adding to the global warming problem. Drivers should gradually accelerate when driving; use cruise control while on the highway; and obey the speed limit.
12) Don’t Forget the Tune-Up:
Many people wait to get a car tune-up until it’s time to get an inspection sticker. It is suggested to receive routine tune-ups and also support local smog check programs.
13) Save Your Engine:
You should also consider turning off your car engine when you face an idle vehicle for long periods of time, which helps to reduce air pollution.
14) Replace Car Air Filter:
To reduce the amount of air pollution produced by your car, you should replace your air filter on a regular basis.
15) Reduce Your Hot Water Use:
Since it takes a lot of energy to heat water, it is suggested to reduce the amount of hot water you use in the household, which helps to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. This added benefit also includes lower energy bills.
16) Wash Clothes in Cold Water:
Instead of using hot water to clean your clothes, switch to cold water and save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
17) Install a Low Flow Showerhead:
A reduction of 350 pounds of carbon dioxide is seen when installing a showerhead that controls the flow of water.
18) Insulate Your Hot Water Tank:
Conserving your hot water use is also accomplished when you properly insulate your hot water tank and make sure the temperature is kept at or below 120.
19) Thermostat Adjustments:
When you keep your thermostat at 68 degrees in the wintertime and 78 degrees in the summertime, you will reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as well as save money on your energy bill. Some households are able to save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year when keeping their thermostat set two degrees cooler in the winter and warmer during the summer months [7].
20) Avoid the Scenic Route:
Drivers avoid the production of one pound of carbon dioxide for each mile they avoid driving. This means knowing where you’re going to go before you get into the car and possessing the correct directions when visiting a new destination.
21) Turn Electronics Off When Not In Use:
A lot of energy is wasted when televisions, VCRs, computers, and other electronic devices are left on when not in use. Thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide are saved each year when simply turning off units when away.
22) Recycle Auto Equipment and Supplies:
To prevent global warming, you should make it a habit to properly dispose of unwanted used auto equipment and supplies. This includes antifreeze, brake fluid, car batteries, transmission fluid, and used motor oil. The containers of used auto supplies also require appropriate disposal, where there are recycling centers especially set aside in most cities for this purpose.
23) Recycle Batteries:
The pollution associated with landfills has the power to seep into surrounding soil, as well as contaminate local waters. It is important to properly dispose of or recycle used batteries, including NiCad batteries, rechargeable batteries (non-NiCad), and single-use batteries.
24) Recycle Electronics:
Instead of tossing away unwanted electronics, such as computer monitors, electronic devices, office machines, televisions, and other computer parts, take them to recycling centers so they may find new life instead of contributing to the mounting waste problem.
25) Recycle Household Hazardous Waste:
There are plenty of household products that pose a threat to the environment and add to the growing global warming dilemma. Some of the items one may consider recycling include fertilizers, pesticides, fire extinguishers, unwanted fuels, herbicides, household cleaners, insecticides, paints, photographic chemicals, solvents, and pool chemicals.
26) Reuse Cell Phones:
With the increasing advancements in cell phone technology, people are trading in their phones as newer models surface. Instead of tossing old phones in the garbage, you should turn in your unwanted selections to a recycling center. There are also programs that transform old cell phones into emergency phones for domestic abuse victims.
27) Replace Old Power Plants:
In many cities, older power plants that rely on the burning of coal are still used to produce the most production of electricity. It is the responsibility of residents to push for the establishment of cleaner plants.
28) Promote the Use of Renewable Energy Sources:
With the increase in use regarding renewable energy sources (including solar and wind energy), the damaging effects of other energy resources (like burning fuels) are lessened. Already, the states of California and New York have pledged to use more renewable sources of energy for their electricity needs.
29) Follow the NRDC 4-Point Plan:
The National Resources Defense Council has created a plan they believe will cut the global warming problem in half by the year 2050. In simple terms, the NRDC promotes a boost in energy efficiency; better car production; the embrace of biofuels and renewable energy; and returning carbon to the ground.
30) Promote “Green Building” Projects:
There is a way to design and construct new buildings in such a way that energy consumption is reduced by manipulating heating, cooling, lighting, and water use factors.
31) Encourage Walkable Communities:
Some developers have taken the stance to create more compact communities, where residents are encouraged to walk over taking a drive in their car. This principle can be applied to both city and town structures.
32) Promote Clean-Burning Biofuel Programs:
Biofuels utilize plants to create an energy source that burns clean. Hopefully, biofuels will be able to replace gasoline in the near future. Today, ethanol producers are responsible for 4 billion gallons of fuel per year. Newer methods have also surfaced, as farmers experiment with farm waste and other energy crops that could seriously threaten oil dependency.
33) Promote Solar Energy Jobs:
In the high-tech, high-paying world of solar energy, more than 20,000 Americans are able to make a difference in the global warming problem just by going to work each day.
34) Urge the United States to Lead:
Usually, other countries look towards the United States as a leader in change. If large countries, such as China and India, do not see the United States investing in the technology that cuts down the global warming problem, they are less likely to facilitate change. Urging the U.S. to set an example in the treatment of coal-burning power plants is a good way to create a healthy trend for the environment.
35) Replace Old Appliances:
If you possess a refrigerator or washing machine that is more than 10 years old, you are not only paying more in energy bills, but also wasting precious energy. Investing in a newer dishwasher, washer, dryer, or refrigerator model will save double the energy than if you use an older unit. Efficient appliances create less demand on power plants, which translates into less pollution.
36) Buy Energy Star Labeled Products:
When your appliance carries the Energy Star stamp of approval, you are doing your part in satisfying the energy efficiency minimums established by the federal government. Sometimes, tempting rebates are offered with this sort of product.
37) Purchase the Right Size:
Sometimes, individuals believe they need to bring home the biggest appliances in order to impress the neighbors or get the job done right. In fact, you could be causing the environment unnecessary distress. When purchasing a new product for your home, it is suggested to select an item suitable for your needs. This means avoiding the oversized air conditioner, extra large water heater, or gigantic refrigerator. All of these appliances waste energy and money when not needed.
38) Choose Natural Gas Appliances Over Electric:
When possible, some individuals choose appliances that run on natural gas over electric means because it is a more efficient selection to consider. There are many different stoves, water heaters, and dryers that use natural gas.
39) Use Precise Temperature Control:
The thermostat is not the only place where an individual may utilize precise temperature control. The refrigerator is another place, where you may adjust the coldness. On a scale from 1 to 10, some people automatically select the highest setting thinking it does a better job, but in the end you often waste energy and sometimes wind up freezing your milk and fresh vegetables.
40) Select Freezers on Top:
A refrigerator with freezer storage situated on top actually uses 10 to 15% less energy than a model showcasing a side-by-side unit.
41) Refrigerator Size, Selection, and Quantity:
While a larger refrigerator uses more energy than a smaller one, there are certain circumstances where one will come in quiet handy. Choose one larger refrigerator rather than purchasing two smaller models with the same total volume, or separate freezing units.
42) Clothes Washers Selection:
Front-loading washers usually use less water than top-loaders because they don’t have to completely submerge clothes, but instead, utilize a tumbling action that continuously lifts the water up and down onto clothes.
43) Washer Sizes:
When choosing a washer for your household, size does matter. A smaller washer is usually the right choice for smaller households, but a larger family (with the demands of many different loads) should select a larger unit to accommodate their needs.
44) Adjustable Water Levels:
When bringing a washer into the home, a model that allows one to adjust their water levels is a great way to use less water to complete smaller loads.
45) Choose Fast Speeds:
A washer may offer spin cycle selections that use slow, medium, and fast speeds. Choosing a faster spin speed results in the removal of more water from clothes, which in turn, reduces drying time and decreases the amount of energy the dryer must use.
46) Dryer Selection:
Gas dryers use less energy than a unit that relies on electricity.
47) Kids Can Do Their Part, Too:
Instead of driving your kids to school each morning, when they are in walking distance – it is suggested to encourage them to walk. This practice will also get their metabolism kicking in the right direction with this early morning dose of exercise.
48) Skip Dishwasher Pre-Washes:
Reduce the amount of water you use in your household by scraping off excess food and conducting your own pre-rinse before using the dishwasher. This simple act saves energy when you no longer rely on a machine to complete this task.
49) New Dishwasher Purchases:
When you are in need of a new dishwasher, you should consider one that offers, “light washes” or “energy-saving” wash cycles.
50) Energy-Saving Dishwasher Dry Cycles:
When buying a new dishwasher, you should also seek out models that offer an energy-saving cycle, which dries dishes using air and circulation fans rather than heated drying that relies on heating coils.
51) New Room Air Conditioner Purchases:
When purchasing a new air conditioner, you should make sure the unit in question offers higher-efficiency compressors, fan motors and heat-transfer surfaces. A high-efficiency unit is responsible for reducing energy consumption by 20 to 50%.
