While you’re still thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions, why not include a few simple goals that can help change the world in which we live. If we all aspire to make some simple changes to our habits in the coming year, we can have an enormous impact on the environment and the global warming crisis. Here are five easy ways in which you can do the right thing in 2008:
1. Change Your Light Bulbs
It couldn’t be simpler. Just replace your standard, energy inefficient bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL bulbs last 10 times longer than standard bulbs (thus saving you money), use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat. If every U.S. family replaced just one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases. That’s the equivalent of taking 7.5 million cars off the road. Put this at the top of your must-do list in 2008.
2. The Three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
In this day and age, everyone should be recycling. Sort and recycle your household trash each week. If your community or apartment building doesn’t offer a recycling service, find out how it might be made available to you. Can you ask the city to reconsider their policy? Is there a nearby recycling center where you can take your glass and paper? In addition, think about how much trash you generate in an average week. Can you cut down on that amount by purchasing products with less packaging? Do you really need to buy all those new things or can you reasonably reduce the amount of stuff in your life?
3. Reusable Bags
Ditch those wasteful, polluting plastic bags. There is no better time to start using canvas bags and reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, lakes and oceans. Canvas bags are cheap and easy to obtain. They hold more than plastic bags and are easier and more comfortable to carry. Keep a few in your car and you’ll always have them on hand when you need to pop into Target or the grocery store. This is just a small, easy change to make and it has a huge impact.
4. Adjust Your Thermostat and Watch Household Energy Consumption
Turning down the thermostat and keeping temperatures moderate at all times can make a big difference for the environment. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could reduce about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year. Also, think about the daily energy consumption in your home. Do you leave the television or radio on when you’re not in the room? Are the lights on all over the house? Turn off the appliances and lights when you’re not actually using them. Teach your kids to do the same. It’s a small thing that will make a big difference.
5. Drive Smart
If you have public transportation or access to bike paths in your area, consider using those to get around rather than your car. For those of us who don’t have that option, think about the amount of driving you’re doing and what kind of vehicle you’re using. Can you carpool? Go to the market once a week instead of twice? Take the kids for a walk around the neighborhood instead of a drive to the mall? Also, if you’re driving a gas guzzler, this is the year to reconsider. Not only are gas prices through the roof, no doubt putting a dent in your family’s finances, but those giants trucks, SUVS and vans are a menace to the environment. Consider a more fuel efficient car. There are plenty of sedans that provide ample space for a family and will save you a pretty penny on gasoline costs. If you really need the extra room a SUV offers, there are many excellent hybrid varieties on the market today, many of which around the same price as your standard SUV. Look around at your options and you can really change your environmental impact.
Rosebud
Hey, I’m doing pretty good on this list! I really need to get the reusable bags — though I am really good about returning the plastic bags (even bread bags) for recycling.