Global warming is largely caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, the modern global economy relies primarily on fossil fuels. For this reason, tackling climate change may seem like an impossible undertaking. However, you can do a lot to lessen the effects. By changing your habits, trying to save energy and convincing other people to do the same, you will be able to significantly resist global warming. In the end, you will not only help save the planet, but you will also enjoy spreading the word and making a difference.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Change Your Eating Habits
Step 1. Eat fewer animal products
Since meat and animal products that come from farms require a lot of energy, water and other resources to make and transport, you can reduce your carbon footprint by consuming less. Instead of eating animal products, consider adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. To do this, focus your diet on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Even if you are advised not to give up animal protein entirely, you can still cut down on your meat intake. Experiment with meat-free recipes 1 or 2 days a week, for example by deciding not to eat meat on Mondays or Fridays. You can also find out about low environmental impact meat farming methods, for example by eating game caught by a hunter
Step 2. Buy zero kilometer products
By minimizing the amount of products made away from you that you consume, you will not only help the local economy, but you will also reduce your overall ecological footprint. Look for local products in your community.
- Visit the local farmer's markets to buy locally grown vegetables and other foods.
- Purchase other items, such as furniture, from local artisans.
Step 3. Recycle and reuse what you can
Since it takes a lot of energy to create some materials from scratch, by recycling and reusing what you have, you reduce the energy needed for production. Use the separate collection bins provided by your municipality. If you don't have them available, collect plastic, aluminum and paper waste, then periodically take them to the nearest recycling center.
- Donate items you no longer want to charity instead of throwing them away.
- Use towels, reusable plates and steel cutlery instead of napkins, paper plates and disposable cutlery.
- Buy used items, rather than new ones, such as furniture, through private ads or flea markets.
Method 2 of 3: Save Energy
Step 1. Drive less
Since driving is one of the ways people contribute most to global warming, minimizing the distance you drive will have a big impact. There are many ways to do this:
- Drive to work with other colleagues;
- Use public transportation, so consider using the bus, subway, or train;
- Schedule weekly or monthly supermarket visits, instead of going there whenever you need something.
Step 2. Go by bike
Buy a new, used or refurbished bicycle. While you don't have to travel to all your destinations by bike, you can use it to get around town, to exercise and to visit friends. Eventually, you'll save energy and money on fuel, as well as get fit.
Step 3. Take care of your car
If you can't do without a car, use it in a way that reduces the overall impact. By regularly servicing your vehicle, you will save money on fuel and future repairs.
- Keep the car tires at the correct pressure. Deflated wheels can increase fuel consumption by up to 9% and are more vulnerable to wear. Check your blood pressure every week.
- Change the air filter. Check it every month. Cleaning the air filter improves fuel consumption and reduces emissions, because it becomes easier for your car to take in air and maintain the correct fuel / air mixture.
Step 4. Isolate the house and major appliances
It isolates everything that consumes energy in order to maintain an internal temperature different from that of the environment. You can buy insulation materials at hardware stores, which come in many versions.
- Keep the water heater insulated, so you can save up to 500kg of carbon dioxide every year. Avoid using units with pilot lights always on and you will save 200 kg of greenhouse gases every year.
- Re-insulate your entire home to reduce heating and cooling costs. If your home isn't well insulated, consider renovating it. Take a look at the attic, cavities, basement, walls and roof. If you are having trouble with hard-to-reach spots, consider that specialist companies are capable of spraying expandable cellulose or fiberglass insulation.
- Install protective weather ties around the house. Put them on doors, windows and the air conditioner drain. This can save you up to 800kg of carbon dioxide per year.
Step 5. Use LED or fluorescent bulbs
Go around the house and count the number of lights you have. At that point, go to a store and purchase compact fluorescent or LED bulbs to replace the old ones. By changing the bulbs, you will save a lot of energy.
- A standard fluorescent bulb saves approximately 330 kg of greenhouse gases over its useful life (compared to an incandescent bulb).
- LED bulbs are the most efficient and can save you a lot of energy. However, they are often more expensive.
- Consider installing as many energy efficient light bulbs as possible and gift them to friends and family. Donate them to local charities as well, so they can change the bulbs in the office.
Method 3 of 3: Become an Activist
Step 1. Contact your political representatives and invite them to fight against global warming
Since political leaders have the power to change the system, one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming is to get them to do something. Start by finding out who your local, state and international representatives are. Then, contact them and express your concerns about climate change. Ask your representatives to:
- Promote mass transit projects;
- Investing in alternative energy projects;
- Support laws that limit carbon emissions - for example, tell your representative that you support the introduction of an emissions tax;
- Participate in international agreements aimed at limiting carbon dioxide emissions, such as the Kyoto protocol.
Step 2. Educate people about the dangers of global warming
Take the lead and share your concerns about climate change with those around you. By simply talking about the problem or mentioning it, you could inform people about the impact excessive emissions can have on their lives or those of their children and grandchildren.
- Tell everyone why you made certain decisions, such as becoming vegan or vegetarian.
- Tell everyone what they can do to reduce their ecological footprint, such as insulating their homes or reducing the kilometers traveled by car.
- Avoid being pushy. If someone doesn't want to talk about global warming, that's their right. There is no reason to dismiss people who do not share your point of view.
Step 3. Join an activist group
Search your community for organizations and groups that share your concerns. There are likely many local groups trying to educate the public and bring about real change to contain global warming. Some national and international groups that actively combat climate change include:
- Greenpeace;
- Fridays for Future;
- Green Climate Fund;
- IPCC;
- The Sierra Club;
- Idle No More.
