The Worlds Energy Crisis – What Can You Do?
There has been a great deal of attention in recent times on the depleting reserves of energy all around the world. The crisis has affected everyone everywhere and with the current global demand for energy from developing countries has seen gas jump up to record highs of $6 per gallon and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. We are rapidly exhausting our earths non-renewable resources like coal, uranium and natural gas and there’s been a great deal of harm done to the environment as a result. Have you been wondering about what you can do as a single individual to reduce global warming and the drain on the world’s resources?
Often as individuals we feel powerless to do anything, thinking that nothing we do could ever possibly make a difference. If you believe that then remember that we as a collective, together have all contributed in some way to our global crisis which means that we can also by our collective efforts make significant changes for the positive. There is plenty you can do to make a positive impact on reducing climate aberrations, food shortages, forest destruction, pollution etc. in the long term, by making just a few lifestyle changes.
Let’s take a look at what you can do today.
1). Check the news online: Think about the millions of trees that die everyday for you to get your morning newspaper. You can reduce this wanton destruction of trees by canceling all your newspaper subscriptions and going for an online subscription. You get your daily dose of news and a few trees are spared.
2). Transportation: Carpooling is a great way to cut down on the carbon dioxide being belched out by our gas-guzzling vehicles. By using your most fuel-efficient vehicle to carpool several times a week, or by occasionally just using buses to get around, cycling or walking, you will be making healthier, more eco-friendly choices.
3). Reduce AC Usage: Only use air conditioning in your car if you absolutely must. At speeds of under 40 mph you burn less fuel if you have the windows down. At speeds exceeding 45 mph the AC burns less fuel as windows down tend to create extra drag burning more fuel. Please dont refrain from using the AC if the weather requires it, you are the best judge of your situation, drive to the conditions.
4). Be a Relaxed Driver: When you are stressed out, angry or otherwise distracted, you tend to burn up to 50% more fuel than when you are relaxed because you can become the victim of “heavyfoot syndrome”. This takes a negative effect not only on your finances but on your health as well. Listening to easy listening relaxed music while you drive and remembering to breath, I know in our highly stressed lives, can be a lot to ask, but it will keep your stress level down to a minimum before it takes a negative toll on your driving.
5). Recycle, Recycle: Recycling has become the slogan of our times and with good reason. Most plastics are non-biodegradable, which basically means that you are throwing out junk everyday that the environment simply cannot cope with. Try to avoid using plastics on a daily basis and use paper bags when you go shopping. If you can’t avoid using plastics then recycle and reuse as much as you can.
6). Plant trees: Did you know that a single tree can breathe in around one ton of carbon dioxide throughout its lifetime? Try planting at least one tree in your lifetime. It’s amazing how few of us do something that significant even though it’s so easy.
7). Boycott Environmentally Harmful Products: Buy more “green” products and use more “green” technology. Stop supporting companies that are producing products that are harmful to our environment.
8). Kids Need Educating: Set a good example for your children, of what it means to be a good steward to our environment and make sure they know how to conserve power and the dwindling natural resources on our planet.
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