How to prevent global warming

How to prevent global warming
Global warming has become more and more of an issue in the last few years. Scientists have said that in the United States, every year somewhere around 6.6 tons of greenhouses are emitted by each and every person. In addition, the amount of emissions per person have actually increased-between 1990 and 1997 they have gone up approximately 3.4%. And what do most of these greenhouse gases come from? About 82% of greenhouse gases come from the burning of fossil fuels in order to run our cars and to produce electricity. The rest of the greenhouse gases come from methane, industrial chemicals, and certain other sources, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Recently, people have been asking what they can do as individuals in order to help prevent global warming. There are three areas where we as individuals can help prevent global warming most effectively: cutting down on the amount of electricity used, cutting down on the amount of waste produced, and the transportation that each person uses. By following these particular steps, you can do your part to help prevent global warming.

1. Change the types of light bulbs that you are using in your home
Chances are, if you're like most people in the United States, you are using regular light bulbs in all of your lamps and all of your ceiling lights. Well, do you know that using just those light bulbs actually produces an enormous amount of carbon dioxide? Simply switching each one of your light bulbs from the regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide per light bulb per year.

2. Stop driving your car all the time!
For each and every mile that you drive, you are producing a pound of carbon dioxide. In order to help prevent global warming, you need to cut down on the amount of time that you drive your car and the amount of distance that you drive your car. There are a number of different things that you can do rather than driving your car. Walk distances that aren't too far. This can also immensely improve your health! You can also take up biking, riding your bike to work and/or to school. You can pack clothes to change into once you get there. You can also ride mass transit if it is available in your community. Most mass transit companies offer discount passes for longer amounts of time. You can also organize carpooling with other people who are going the same direction that you are.

3. Increase the amount of material that you recycle
Are you recycling newspaper, glass, plastic, cardboard, and aluminum? Well, then you aren't recycling enough! Call up your city offices to see if your city offers a recycling plan. Most cities do offer recycling services, though sometimes you do need to pay a fee. If your community does not offer recycling services that will pick up your material curb-side, you will probably be able to find a center where you can take your recycling material.

4. Purchase more recycled products
Do you regularly check to ensure that you are purchasing recycled materials? By purchasing recycled material, then you can help save landfill space and the amount of space that is used for waste.

5. Check your tires on a regular basis
By checking your tires on a regular basis, you can help prevent global warming. If your tires are inflated the amount that they are supposed to, then you will improve your gas mileage. The better your gas mileage, the less carbon dioxide you will be producing. For every gallon of gas you don't use, that's 20 pounds of carbon dioxide that isn't be produced.

6. Use less hot water
Heating water takes a lot of energy. Using cold water will help cut down on the amount of energy that you use. If you use cold water when you wash your clothes, you can save somewhere around 500 pounds of carbon dioxide. Make sure that you insulate your hot water tank and keep the temperature at or below 120.

7. Buy your appliances carefully
Make sure that you only purchase energystar certified appliances. These appliances are certified to help save the amount of energy that is used. Only purchasing energystar appliances will not only cut down on your utility bills, but also will help you help prevent global warming.