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CLIMATE CHANGE PRIMER
STEP 2: Implementation
What can I do?
The next step is to take action. We can reduce the emission levels of greenhouse gases and contribute to the reduction of climate change just by making a few minor changes in our everyday lives. By doing so, we will alter the future of our planet entirely. The first thing that we can do is attempt to limit the amount of time that we spend driving our vehicles. If we leave our cars parked for only two days out of every week, we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by an average of two tons per year. Instead, give your car a rest and resort to using public transportation , carpooling, biking, or even walking to your desired destination. You could also reduce the amount of car trips that you take by combining the errands that you have to run and the activities that you have to complete into one trip. The next thing that you can do is replace all unnatural sources of light in your home with Energy Star light bulbs. Energy Star light bulbs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 130,000 pounds and save you $11,000 on energy bills. Next, you can maintain the steady heating and cooling of your home by changing your air filters regularly, effectively using a programmable thermostat, and having your heating and cooling equipment maintained annually by a licensed contractor. All of this can save energy and increase comfort, while at the same time contribute to protecting the environment. Depending upon where you live, you can cut your annual energy bill by more than $200 by replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with Energy Star qualified equipment. Following effectively maintaining the heating and cooling of your home, you can help your home to stay sealed and insulated by using caulk, weather stripping, and insulation to seal your home's envelope and add more insulation to your attic in order to block out the heat and the cold. Most people are unaware of the small leakages and openings that their homes encompass; however, being aware of them and handling them properly can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. Lastly and most importantly, we can reduce the release of greenhouse gases by reducing, reusing, and recycling. This involves recycling your newspapers instead of just tossing them into the garbage can, as well as recycling beverage containers, paper, plastic, and other goods too.
Back to primer ...
Sources:
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/whatis.htm
http://www.globalcitizencorps.org/issues/climate-change/awareness
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/climate/Climatechange.pdf
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=65CD73F4-1