How You Can Help Stop the Global Warming Threat
There’s a lot of back and forth about whether or not the government should address climate change. However, both left and right supporters are concerned about the effect of climate change, particularly global warming, on our environment. Therefore, both sides are pushing for reform in government, some sides harder than others.
But maybe the solution isn’t found in creating political propaganda and forcing emissions laws on small businesses in big government style. Maybe the solution is found in your everyday actions as an individual.
If you’re looking to help stop global warming, consider making the following changes within your own home.
Switch from Electric to Gas
It’s not feasible for all appliances to be operated with natural gas, but when possible, making that switch can reduce your carbon footprint. Both natural gas and electricity have their negative impacts, but natural gas tends to be more efficient, more cost effective, and therefore less harsh on the environment.
Switch out your electric appliances for gas models when possible. The impact will be most noticeable if you make changes to your heating or cooling. For example, a gas fireplace is an excellent alternative to an electric model and it often produces more even heating throughout the room.
Replace Your Light Bulbs
Rather than waiting for your incandescent light bulbs to burn out, go around the house and replace them all with LED bulbs. These are even more efficient than compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, which became popular a few years ago.
A single light bulb that’s used for just four hours a day can save you $14 a year. Multiply that amount by the number of hours the lights are usually on in your house and the number of lightbulbs you use, and you’ll see significant savings year over year.
Weatherize Your Home
In most homes, heating and cooling makes up the bulk of emissions. If you want to both reduce your utility bills and lessen your impact on the environment, check the structure for ways to weatherize it.
Slowly examine the walls on both the exterior and interior of the home, checking for drafts, holes, or gaps that might be allowing exterior air to get inside. Cold spots on the wall might also indicate that the room isn’t properly insulated.
Have an expert inspect your home for signs of improper insulation and make adjustments where needed. You might think that an insulation upgrade means removing walls, adding insulation, and replacing them, but it’s often a simple matter of accessing the insulation through an outlet or light switch and spraying insulation inside.
Invest in Smart Home Devices
Today’s smart home devices aren’t just about convenience and cool features. They’re also about reducing energy costs so that you can live more efficiently. A full system of smart home gadgets allows you to turn off the energy source to your lights, entertainment system, and certain appliances when you’re gone. That way, you aren’t wasting energy on things you’re not using.
You can also use programmable learning thermostats to avoid heating or cooling an empty room. You start by setting the thermostat at certain temperatures depending on your daily schedule, but as you adjust the thermostat according to your daily needs, it will learn your behaviors and further your energy savings.
The startup costs for smart home devices are somewhat high, but they typically lead to advanced savings. At the very least, you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Educate Others (Nicely)
One of the simplest and most impactful strategies for slowing global warming is education. Few people are unaware of global warming itself, but they might not realize the implications their everyday habits have on the environment.
Share information about what has worked in your home so that others can do the same. Most people will be swayed by the financial savings of executing certain practices.
The key is to educate politely and with another’s best interest in mind. Accusing or demanding change won’t get you anywhere. With a concerned, careful education strategy, you can help spread positivity and more economical living throughout your neighborhood.
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