Can You Make
a Difference Fighting Global Warming?
By: Sonia E Mark
Meteorologist Intern
There are still many debates today as to
whether global warming is
a real
threat. It seems scientists can never agree if we are in fact
in
a period of
global warming, or maybe even the lesser known global
cooling.
However, if you are a firm believer in this or not, one
thing
is for sure;
the composition of the earth’s atmosphere is being
altered
due to human
activities. There is much documentation on increased
levels of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and our activity is
believed
to be the
catalyst.
While it is true that
the earth does undergo periods of normal
climatic
fluctuation, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), is warning the public to practice cautionary
measures
regardless.
They state that the noticeable warming trend is “unlikely
to
be entirely
natural in origin.”
What many people may
not realize is that one person can make a
difference.
When you start practicing effective ways to reduce
greenhouse
gas emissions, others will follow. An excellent
example
from recent
memory is the "recycling fever" that swept the nation and
world. 30
years ago barely a single person knew what it meant to
recycle
let alone
how to go out doing so. Today millions of households and
businesses
recycle items such as newspapers, cans, and plastics.
Even if you are one of
the skeptics of
global warming, it still couldn't
hurt to
exercise environmental precautions. The following is a list
that
includes
methods to protect the environment, that can even save you
money! To
some this list may seem very simple and basic, which is great
to hear.
This goes to show that it can be easy and simple to help preserve
our natural
surroundings.
Positive
Actions
(Source:
EPA)
• Wash laundry in warm or cold
water, never hot.
• Insulate walls and ceilings
as well as water heaters and pipes.
• Use a low-flow
showerhead.
• Run dishwasher only when it
is full.
• Clean or replace
air-conditioning filters.
• Replace standard light bulbs
with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors
and windows properly to prevent leaks.
• Buy appliances that have the
“Energy Star” label.
• Don't overheat or overcool
rooms.
• Lower temperature on your hot
water tank to 120 degrees or less.
• Use a composting lawnmower,
or push mower.
• Plant deciduous trees in
strategic locations. (Shade of tree can
reduce energy
consumption and can remove carbon from air).
• Recycle!!! Cans, bottles, plastic, newspapers,
etc.
• Buy food and other products
with reusable or recyclable packaging.
• When running errands try to
plan ahead and combine trips, stop making
single
trips.
• Give your car a break. (This
is difficult in small cities such as Caribou,
where there
is little public transportation, but there are plenty of
alternatives
such as car
pooling, walking, or riding your bike).
• Consider a fuel smart vehicle
for your next car.
• Keep your car tuned up and
the tires properly inflated to save on
fuel.
• If possible, select a home
nearby where you work so you can walk to
work.
As I stated earlier,
many of these suggestions are simple and even
common
sense. And the other positive is that the majority of these
will
save you
money! Some more costly alternatives include purchasing a
home
that has an
"Energy Star" approval, calling your power company to
request
energy from a renewable resource, installing a solar thermal system,
or buying a
hybrid car.
Our own facility here
in Caribou is a nationally recognized "green"
building or
environment friendly building. We were designated as the
2003
Federal Energy Saver Showcase Facility
for numerous reasons. 50%
of all
building materials are recycled materials. The steel is 75%
recycled
post-consumer steel. Over 50% of the wood based material are certified
wood, not
clear cut. Heating and cooling of the building utilizes a
geo-
thermal well
nearly 1000 ft deep to take advantage of the earth’s
stable
temperature.
And even our windows were strategically placed to take
advantage of
natural sunlight.
I hope some of these
tips are helpful. I personally became more
interested
in protecting the environment after moving to northern
for my job.
Everyday I am amazed by the beauty of this area and of
in general.
After living in big
the scenery,
cleanliness, and nature here. On a
final note, try to educate
others on
practices to protect our environment. This is a great way to
spread the
word on how environment-friendly actions are good for the
world
and even
save the other kind of
“green”.
For further information and
reading;
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)
http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/index.html
Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC)
http://www.ipcc.ch/