World Energy Crisis – What Steps Can You Take?
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.
Here’s what you can do today.
1). Use the web to get your news instead of buying a daily newspaper. By canceling all your newspaper subscriptions, just think about how many trees you will be saving from destruction.
2.) Transportation: Consider adopting more eco-friendly alternatives when it comes to transportation. Use your most fuel-efficient vehicle to carpool several times a week, take a bus, walk or cycle – doing any of these things just once in awhile will make a big difference to our environment. Think about how much carbon dioxide will be kept from belching out into the air if you stop the daily driving of your gas-guzzler.
3). Adjust Auto AC Usage: Keeping your windows open at speeds of under 40 mph, if the weather allows, will do a lot to save gas. However, with speeds of over 45 mph, it would be better to use your AC to keep from causing a drag on your motor which will use up more fuel. Use good judgment of your situation and drive to the conditions.
4). Be a Happy Relaxed Driver: Driving while angry or stressed out can be detrimental to your pocketbook as well as to your health. You become a good candidate for “heavyfooted syndrome” where you use up a whopping 50% more gas than when you drive when your mind is in a calm state. All it takes to remain calm while driving is listening to relaxing music and remembering to breath, which I know might seem like a lot to ask considering our highly stressed lives. Take these steps before your stress level takes a toll on your driving.
5). Recycling: With good reason, the slogan of our times has become “Recycle”. The “junk” we each throw away on a daily basis is leading to overrun landfills leaching carbon dioxide into the atmosphere with which our planet simply cannot cope. Whenever possible, reuse and/or recycle those plastic bottles, grocery bags, forks, knives and spoons. Doing this on a daily basis contributes to the well being of our environment.
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 harmful products: Use more ‘green’ products and ‘green’ technologies. Don’t support the guys who are wreaking havoc on our planet by continuing to buy their environmentally harmful products.
8). Teach your kids: You can help your kids inherit a cleaner, healthier planet by educating them from the start. Begin by teaching your kids to conserve power and resources and also let them know the dire consequences of not taking care of the environment.
Beverly Clarke is a staunch believer in adopting a green lifestyle. She also oversees a network of Eco-Conscious websites. Click the following link to get your copy of “Go Green While Saving Green”.
