Talking About Green

All over the world there has been a huge concern over the depletion of global energy reserves. Affecting all people everywhere, the demand from developing nations for gas, has seen the price jump to as much as $6.00 per gallon with many more problems on the way. The Earth’s non-renewable resources such as natural gas, coal and uranium are being depleted and as a result, there has been a great deal of harm being inflicted on the environment which has resulted. As a single individual, have you been wondering about how you can play a role in reducing the drain on the world’s resources and curb global warming?

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). 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). 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). Drive happy: Believe it or not but being aggravated or stressed can cause you to suffer from heavy footedness and burn up to a whopping 50% more fuel than driving in a calm state of mind. This is an example of when driving angry can penalize you financially not to mention affect your health. I know this can be a big ask especially with our stressful lifestyles but try listening to relaxing music while you drive. Be aware of your moods, try to catch yourself before your stress levels get too elevated and focus on your breathing by taking deep breaths.

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 an/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 a Tree: Have you heard that planting one single tree in your lifetime cleans about one ton of Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere? What a simple yet significant undertaking is planting one tree, but so few of us ever get around to accomplishing this unselfish task.

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). Educate Your Children: Raise your children with the knowledge of how to conserve power and natural resources and make sure they understand the dire consequences to our planet of not being stewards of our environment.