Global Warming — What Can You Do?
What to do in your home:
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs
- Turn off lights and appliances (especially computers) when you are not using them
- Unplug electronic devices when you are not using them — plug into power strips with switches
- Turn the temperature on your hot water heater down to 120 degrees
- Take shorter showers
- Insulate your hot water heater
- Stop your newspaper when you travel
- Use digital cameras instead of disposable ones
- Enroll in paperless billing for utilities and credit cards
- Adjust your irrigation system for the weather
- Put in drought resistant plants in your yard
- Rush dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full
- Be old fashioned and wash your dishes by hand — be careful of water usage
- Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going
- Use kitchen and bathroom vents sparingly in winter
- Remove yourself from junk mail lists at http: www.newdream.org/junkmail
- Buy rechargeable batteries
- Install low-flow shower heads and toilets
- Eat locally grown food
- Turn your thermostat down 2 degrees in the winter
- Turn your thermostat up 2 degrees in the summer
- The next time you need a new appliance, buy one that is energy efficient
- Use your air conditioning sparingly
What to do in your car:
- Drive less
- Walk or ride a bike whenever possible
- Carpool or use public transportation
- Drive more slowly (energy efficiency decreases by 2% for every mph that you drive over 60 mph)
- Use cruise control
- Avoid rabbit starts
- Keep your car tuned up
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- Buy a hybrid the next time you need a vehicle
What to do by reducing, reusing and recycling:
- Participate in your community recycling program
- Bring your used aluminum cans and plastic bottles to church
- Recycle at least 50% of your household trash
- Use both sides of a piece of paper
- Donate gently used clothing and household goods to a thrift store.
- Buy things at the thrift store
- Buy products with less packaging.
- Take reusable canvas bags with you when you shop
Other things you can do:
- Plant trees and shrubs in your yard
- Compost food scraps
- Stay at hotels that are members of the Green Association
- Shop green
- Write your legislators to demand that they take action to address climate change
- Become informed
- Send this to another person
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