No cost steps we can all take to reduce climate change

In a recent email, Janet Wenzel outlined a list of steps we can all take to conserve resources and help limit the impact of climate change. Please share these ideas with family, friends and collegues, and make an effort to implement at least a few of them at home today. Thank you, Janet!

----------

Hi all- This is not a "chain" email. I put this together. Global warming IS happening. I did some research and put together a check list of EASY things we can do help TODAY. Below are the links I pulled from--you can hit those for more info. Please pass this along to everyone you can. Thanks!! - Janet

Right now the U.S. releases about 40,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per person each year. If we can reduce energy use enough to lower greenhouse gas emissions by about 2% a year, in ten years we will "lose" about 7000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per person. We can make a difference.

What you can do on a daily basis- no cost and can save you money:

- Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Use the energy-saving setting to dry the dishes. Don't use heat when drying. Carbon dioxide reduction: 200 pounds a year.

- Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot. Carbon dioxide reduction (for two loads a week): up to 500 pounds a year.

- Turn down your water heater thermostat; 120 degrees is usually hot enough. Carbon dioxide reduction (for each 10- degree adjustment): 500 pounds a year.

- Make an effort to turn off lights, TVs and Computers when you leave the room.

- Don't overheat or overcool rooms. Adjust your thermostat (lower in winter, higher in summer). Carbon dioxide reduction (for each 2-degree adjustment): about 500 pounds a year.

- Choose Local. You will not only support your community, but think about how much gas is used and carbon emitted from transportation.

- Reduce waste and Recycle: Buy minimally packaged goods; choose reusable products over disposable ones; recycle. Carbon dioxide reduction (if you cut down your garbage by 25%): 1000 lbs per yr.

Easy things you can do at a small investment:

- Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5% of the energy used. Carbon dioxide reduction: About 350 pounds a year.

- Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights. They last 10 times as long. What's more, a compact fluorescent will lower your energy bills by about $15 a year, and by more than $60 during its life Carbon dioxide reduction (by replacing one frequently used bulb): about 500 pounds a year.

- Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket (but only if the water heater is over 5 years old and has no internal insulation). Carbon dioxide reduction: Up to 1000 pounds a year.

- Install low-flow shower heads to use less hot water. Carbon dioxide reduction: Up to 300 pounds a year.

- Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to plug air leaks. Carbon dioxide reduction: Up to 1000 pounds a year.

- Insulate your walls and ceilings; this can save about 25% of home heating bills. Carbon dioxide reduction: Up to 2000 pounds a year.

- Ask your utility company for a home energy audit to find out where your home is poorly insulated or energy-inefficient. Carbon dioxide reduction: Potentially, thousands of pounds a year.

- Request a green power option from your current electric utility or switch to a retail electric provider that offers green power. Find the program for your state here.

- Drive smart and less. Get your engine tuned up and keep your tires inflated -- both help fuel efficiency. A tune-up could boost your miles per gallon anywhere from 4 to 40 percent; a new air filter could get you 10 percent more miles per gallon. Choose alternatives to driving (public transit, biking, walking, carpooling), and bundle your errands together so you'll make fewer trips.

- If your car has an air conditioner, make sure its coolant is recycled whenever you have it serviced. Equivalent carbon dioxide reduction: Thousands of pounds.

- Plant trees next to your home and paint your home a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate. Carbon dioxide reduction: About 5000 pounds a year.

- Use renewable energy. Going Solar is easier than you think. Companies like Verde Energy (http://www.verdeenergy.com) can put you in touch with the right contractors.

- Choose an efficient vehicle: A car that gets 20 miles per gallon will emit about 50 tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. A car getting 40 mpg will emit half that much. When buying your next car, pick the least-polluting, most efficient vehicle that meets your needs.

What is causing Global Warming?
Scientific experts agree that the Earth's climate is changing. Climate change, more commonly known as global warming, is caused by the emission of heat trapping gases produced by vehicles, power plants, industrial processes and deforestation. As these gases build up, they act like a big blanket, over-heating the planet and threatening our health, our economy and our environment. The biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels like oil and coal are burned for energy. So when you save energy, you fight global warming (and save money, of course).

Reference Links:
Natural Resources Defense Council
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Defense
Verde Energy
Climate Crisis