What We Can Do About Climate Change

Climate Change 

We have discussed causes, effects, and arguments. Now lets take a look at what we can do to limit greenhouses gases and how we may need to start preparing and adapting. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA is a great source for information about climate change, and a source I use frequently.  The site discusses what is being done, like the Clean Air Act, how we may have to adapt to the change, and things  we can do to limit greenhouse gases.  Check out more information on the Clean Air Act .  You can also read up on the steps the EPA is taking.

What We Can Do To Slow Down Climate Change

• Find five lights that you use the most in your home and change them to Energy Star light bulbs.  These bulbs save energy, thus saving the environment and your money! Energy Star has other products as well, like air conditioners, refrigerators, and windows! Check here to find these products near you!
• Make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated. Heat in the winter, and air conditioning in the summer; all that energy and money you spend making your house comfortable could be escaping through unsealed windows or poor insulation.  "Reduce air leaks and stop drafts by using caulk, weather stripping, and insulation to seal your home's envelope and add more insulation to your attic to block out heat and cold".
• Remember your 3 R's? Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This wasn't just for when we were kids! We should still be trying to reduce the amount we are using, try to reuse whatever we can, and ALWAYS recycle whenever possible!  This may be the easiest of all the these suggestions, so give it a try!
• Another one we were told often as children: don't waste water! I always thought that was silly; there is plenty of water! Well, turns out its not so much about wasting the water, it's about wasting the energy it took to treat that water, heat it, and then pump it into the shower, bath, sink, etc. So don't let the water run, and consider buying Water Sense products.
• Try composting! You can compost food and yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings. Check out the EPA's GreenScapes program to help you make the most of composting! If you are really brave, I once knew a guy with a composting toilet!
• There are also steps you can take at the office, on the road, and at school!

I know it is so tempting to say, "what's the point? I am only one person, we are only one household, we can't possibly make a difference".  I sometimes find myself saying that as well. Change has to start somewhere. Why not start with you? You could even start your own blog about it! Spread the word, help your neighbors make the change. Eventually, it could spread through your community. So, what are you waiting for? Pick one of those suggestions above and get started!

Check out my next post for information on adapting to climate change.