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Our main concern at the moment friends is not those ever increasing gas fuel costs but the virtually irreversible changes in the environment due to our carbon footprint being left on this planet which is causing global warming. We may be different in many respects but when the effects start to be felt, we will all come under attack from a new enemy. A large number of cases of life threatening conditions such as skin cancer, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases into the millions will be the result of 40 years of global warming. 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: Old stuff out: Here we are looking at energy savings and did you know that changing 3 traditional Edison light bulbs for new low energy-efficient CFLs would result in energy savings amounting to $60 per year. The most important benefit though would be that collectively the whole planet could save a trillion pounds of CO2 from being let out into our crippling environment. Energy Star rated PCs and other electrical appliances will also help you make further energy savings and always remember to turn the lights off as you leave a room. Tip #4: Keep it clean. A 500% increase in global warming can be the result of owning a poorly maintained car as well as it costing more to run. Have your car regularly serviced and checked to improve efficiency and if you do go out shopping, go to the nearest available store. 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. Everybody on the planet has a personal responsibility to stop the destruction that will, if left unchecked, effect us all. If we begin now, it'll be a much better world for our children and grandchildren.
Article Source: http://www.articlesfeed.com
Gas Prices are Crazy! Find out how to Improve Gas Mileage and Slow Global Warming by Automotive writer Paul Petersen.
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