03/23/2005
20 Simple Steps to Undo Global Warming
Whenever you save energy -- or use it more efficiently -- you reduce the demand for gasoline, oil, coal and natural gas. Less consumption of these fossil fuels means lower emissions of carbon dioxide (C02), the major contributor to global warming. Right now the U.S. releases about 50,000 pounds of CO2 per person each year. If we can reduce energy use enough to lower these heat-trapping emissions by about 2% a year, in ten years we'll "lose" about 10,000 pounds of CO2 emissions per person.
Here are 20 simple steps that can help cut your annual heat-trapping emissions by thousands of pounds. The CO2 reduction shown for each action is an average saving.
Simple Step; Earth savings (in carbon dioxide [CO2] reductions); $ savings
Dishwasher tips. Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Use the energy-saving setting to dry the dishes. Don't use heat when drying; 100 pounds CO2/year; $5/year
Washing machine settings. Wash clothes in warm or cold water, not hot; up to 350 pounds CO2/year (for two loads a week); $20/year
Water heater cap. Turn down your water heater thermostat- 120 degrees is usually hot enough; 200 pounds a year (for each 20- degree adjustment); $10/year
Thermostat adjustments. Don't overheat or overcool rooms. Adjust your thermostat (lower in winter, higher in summer); about 350 pounds CO2/year (for each 2-degree adjustment); $20/year
Air conditioner check. Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Cleaning a dirty air conditioner filter can save 5% of the energy used; 350 pounds CO2/year; $20/year
Best lightbulb choices. Buy energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs for your most-used lights; 500 pounds CO2/year; $30/year
Water heater tweak. Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket (but only if the water heater is over 5 years old and has no internal insulation); 250 pounds CO2/year; $15/year
Shower head switch. Install low-flow shower heads to use less hot water; 350 pounds CO2/year; $20/year
Weatherstripping. Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows to plug air leaks; 650 pounds CO2/year; $35/year
Energy efficiency. Ask your utility company for a home energy audit to find out where your home is poorly insulated or energy-inefficient; 1,000 pounds CO2/year; savings vary
Driving less. Whenever possible, walk, bike, carpool or use mass transit; 28 pounds CO2 per gallon of gas saved; at least $2.00 per gallon of gas saved
MPG criteria. When you buy a car, choose one that gets good gas mileage; 3,000 pounds CO2/year (if your new car gets 3 mpg more than your old one); $150/year
Waste reduction. Buy minimally packaged goods; choose reusable products over disposable ones; recycle.; 1,200 pounds CO2/year (if you cut down your garbage by 10%) --
Clothes washing tip for spring and summer. Air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer whenever possible; 700 lbs C02/year (if you air dry your clothes for 6 months); $45/year
Home insulation. Insulate your walls and ceilings; this can save about 25% of home heating bills; 2,000 pounds CO2/year; savings vary
Good windows. If you need to replace your windows, install the best energy-saving models; 1,000 pounds CO2/year; $50/year
Neighborhood greening. Plant trees next to your home; 13 pounds CO2/year (for each tree); savings vary
New appliances. As you replace home appliances, select the most energy-efficient models; 600 pounds CO2/year (by replacing an old air conditioner with a new Energy Star air conditioner); $30/year
Reducing waste. Recycle your potentially recyclable material (paper, plastics and glass) and promote energy-efficient measures and recycling programs at your school or workplace; 2,400 pounds CO2/year (by recycling half of household generated waste) --
Staying on top of the issues. Sign the petition to reduce global warming nationwide. Keep track of candidates' voting records and write or call to express concerns; Billions of pounds of CO2/year
Information from www.undoit.org