ACTIONS TO REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING

Global Warming already disrupts millions of lives daily in the forms of destructive weather patterns and loss of habitat. What is already happening is only the tip of the melting iceberg, for it is our children and grandchildren who will suffer the greatest from the impacts of global warming. This article outlines some ways that you can act to prevent the Earth’s atmosphere from warming. While humankind has the ability to destroy the planet, we also have the capacity to protect and sustain it. Reducing your carbon and greenhouse gas emissions will not only make your personal living space more sustainable but it will save you money in both the short and long term. Global warming is occurring more rapidly than it was originally expected to -- only forty years ago, the big worry was global cooling. Even if you remain a cynic, however, and believe that the majority of scientists are wrong, you will benefit from reduced pollution, a healthier lifestyle and increased savings from enacting these simple activities that will not reduce the quality of your lifestyle. 1. Get educated. Educate yourself about global warming. The more facts you have, the more you can persuade others to make simple but effective changes in daily behavior. Energy-saving techniques are either initially expensive (for example, solar power), or take extra time (for example, recycling), so many people need convincing that their efforts matter. 2. Recycle more. Recycle more using recycling bins,composting, etc. 3. Use compact fluorescent bulbs. Replace three frequently used light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs/lamps and save 135 kgs of carbon dioxide and Rp 600,000 per year. 4. Use recycled paper. Make sure your printer paper is 100% post consumer recycled paper. Save 2.25 kgs. of carbon dioxide per ream of paper. Decide if something is really worth printing out. Make the most of scrap paper for shopping lists, notes, scrapbooks, school and college note-taking etc. Only recycle your paper when it has been thoroughly used up! (And don’t forget the potential for making origami and other paper crafts.) 5. Unplug unused electronics. Even when electronic devices are turned off, they use energy. Save over 450 kgs of carbon dioxide per year by unplugging them. 6. Grow fast growing plants. Plants like bamboo grow faster and require less chemicals and care. Make sure that the plants are appropriate for your area; prefer native over introduced species and do not plant problem species. 7. Take public transportation. Taking the bus, the train, the subway or other forms of public transportation lessens the load on the roads and reduces one’s individual greenhouse gas emissions. As an added bonus, some new buses are even hybrid already, depending on where you live in the world. Taking public transport removes the stress of long road commutes and gives you a great opportunity to read, think and relax. On some train services, you can even use a computer. You also save on parking money and time wasted looking for parks. 8. Ride a bicycle. Taking the bike instead of the car is a very simple solution. Adapted from: http:// www.wikihow.com./Take-Actions-to-Reduce-Global-Warming Q