Global warming is already affecting the world we know, endangering polar bears, shortening ski seasons and creating more intense storms. We know how to fix this problem and prevent a global environmental disaster. Get on our interactive map to share your concerns about a warmer planet, and find global warming solutions that you can put into action today.
1. Change Five Lights
Replace your five most frequently used lights or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the Energy Star and you’ll use less energy, which means less pollution from power plants. Your household will also be saving about 700 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and save $90 a year in energy costs (If every household in the country did it -- we would save a trillion pounds of greenhouse gases.) Take the"Change a light pledge" and change at least one light in your home.
2. Heat and Cool Smartly
About half the energy we use in our homes goes to heating and cooling. Changing air filters annually, having your system checked annually and useing a programmable thermostat are all easy things you can do. Just by using a programmable thermostat, you can save about 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide a year and about $100 a year in energy costs. If you want to go the extra mile, see "Bonus Tips" below for how to purchase green power.
3. Put the Freeze on Inefficient Appliances
Get rid of old, energy inefficient appliances and replace with newer energy-efficient models. For example a high-efficiency refrigerator will save you $100 per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 500 pounds a year.
If you replace your current washing machine with a low-energy, low-water-use machine you will be able to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 440 pounds per year. For even more savings wash your laundry in warm or cold water, instead of hot. That will bring in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions of about 500 pounds per year.
4. Reduce and Recycle
Reducing your garbage by 25 percent will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 pounds per year. Recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, cardboard and newspapers can reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions by 850 pounds per year.
5. Don't Give Energy Away
If you caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows to plug up leaks you can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,700 pounds per year.
here
and here
and here
and here
