Reprinted Articles

Regardless of how you feel about gas prices, virtually everyone should concerned with the environment. We all live together on this earth, and if the planet becomes destroyed, it won’t matter if you are rich or poor, black or white, old or young; We will all suffer together. Over the next 40 years, it’s predicted millions of people will needlessly die due to global warming based conditions like skin cancer, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases.

Our own personal carbon footprint contribution needs to be our main priority in life from now on and not only for the negative aspects but also positive ones, as there is so much that we too can do to help the environment. A great example to get you started would be to just plant a tree as this would help to offset about 720 kg of carbon during it’s lifespan, where as taking a plane from New York to Washington would put almost 800 kg of carbon back into the environment.

The average American creates about 22 tons of CO2 each year, which is quite an achievement if you compare it to the rest of the world, who still produce about 6 tons per person, which is still way too much. I am not saying that you have to go around on a push bike, but there really are things you can do to reduce your own personal carbon footprint: -

Tip #1: Go local. Virtually everything we buy has a “carbon cost” connected to is based on things like transportation distance and the amount of energy that goes into manufacturing. Try to buy locally made products and produce. According to a 2001 U.S. Department of Agriculture study, most fruits and vegetables are shipped 1500 miles or more from farm to kitchen, which is incredible wasteful, and more than a little ironic if you are trying to do the right thing by buying organic .

Tip #2: Dress appropriately. Adjusting the thermostat down 2 degrees down when it’s cold and 2 degrees up when it’s warm will help the average family eliminate 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, not to mention save a bunch of money. Wear a sweater or take off your shirt if you are uncomfortable. Remember, it’s the planet we are talking about here.

Tip #3: Replace old technology. If every home in America replaced just 3 light bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs, they would save $60 a year and collectively as a planet we would keep a trillion pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Upgrade appliances and computers to those that are Energy Star rated, and turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Tip #4: Keep it clean. A poorly maintained car can add to global warming 500% more than a normal vehicle, and it costs money too. Keep air and fuel filters clean, replace fouled spark plugs and injectors, and get regular tune ups. And shop locally when you do drive, not at a discount store 50 miles away.

Tip #5: Improve gas mileage. Drive a hybrid car or install an alternative energy booster like water fuel or HHO gas technology in your existing car. You will see mileage increases of up to 40%, and cut your carbon footprint in half.

Let’s rally together folks and really do something that will help instead of just sitting on our backsides and expecting everybody else to get their hands dirty. There are more people to consider that will be around in 40 years time, cause if we don’t act now they can be assured destruction.

Tags: Self Help