How can we stop global warming in small ways?

Question

I am interested in finding out how we can take "baby steps" to help stop global warming. Also How can we get the word out to people to convince them to change? And How can we stop the new Ethinol Trend?

Answer 1

glad you mentioned Ethanol
here is some info on that

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AinFW6TfKH4.wHUICcpLkbvsy6IX?qid=20070806112911AAte9vi&show=7#profile-info-VJWFzp3uaa
The best we can do as individuals is be more responsible ,in our own neck of the woods
Organise well publicized clean up parties ,talk on the radio
Have citizan meetings
Get the shools involved to plant trees and listen to environmental awareness talks,

If you do any cleaning up leave signs behind saying who cleaned,why and ask people not to start dumping rubbish again ,leave a hole or bins ,in case people come with trash ,

POSITIVE ACTIONS)
Classify trash take out all the organic waste and make compost with it ,the worst you can do is throw it with the trash
70% of contamination is due to organic waste that is mixed in with the garbage .
And it is just as bad in the sewer where it helps to breed rats and in the landfill it poisons the ground

And it is the easiest to take care of
o first of all we have to classify trash at least keep the organic to one side ,like in a plastic bin with a lid
If you got a few meters of ground ,you only need 1 or 2 square meters in a shallow hole ,in the shade ,that you can wet now and again ,where you dump everything that is organic ,from toilet paper,bones vegetable cuttings ,eggshells,,,excrement ,and cover regularly with leaves to keep humid and to hide any smell
the worms will come and decompose the wastes turning it into beautiful black soil for the garden of flower pots .
If you are in a apartment ,if you have a balcony get a big plastic bin drill some holes in the side and lid ,
Add a few buckets of sand now and again to put over the trash ,you should realt stir or move the stuff at times to airate it and ensure that the decomposition is overall ,keep moist
This rubbish does not get big very fast and the thing works for a long time with out getting full
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these are Al gores sites
http://events.stepitup2007.org/............
http://www.stepitup2007.org/

http://events.stepitup2007.org/............

If you want to help the planet ,plant a tree every week ,if everyone on the planet did we we would be able to slowdown the destructive processes
Reduce carbon emissions,and they are already working on that by alternative forms of energy and regulations on carbon producing materials,aerosol cans,burning rubbish,industrial chimneys,power plants etc.
Water harvesting projects ,such as millions of small dams.to redirect over ground water flows from the rains into the ground to supply sub terranien water supplies.
The protection of existing forests.
Stop building more highways,urban planning to include vegetation stop building cities encourage people to return to the land to conduct their business from there which now has become possible thanks to the internet.
Education to motivate people to auto sufficiency by building more home food gardens.
Education on environmental awareness
education on family planning to curb over´population
Agricultural education and improvements to follow the principals or sustainability and soil management.
More environmental or land ,design to prevent bush fires,such as--fire breaks
More dams.regulations and control for public behavior
Alternative efficiant public transport to discourage the use of the internal conbustion engine

101 Ways To Live More Ecologically,may be you find something that applies to you


1. Avoid disposable in favor of reusable
items.
2. Avoid drying rags in a clothes dryer.
3. Avoid power appliances when handpower works.
4. Avoid highly processed foods.
5. Avoid using styrofoam—it can't be recycled.
6. Avoid watering driveways and sidewalks.
7. Be responsible and creative with leftover foods.
8. Buy in bulk goods to reduce wasted packaging.
9. Buy energy efficient electric appliances.
10. Buy foods without additives.
11. Buy foods without preservatives.
12. Buy food and goods from sources you trust
13. Buy large quantities to reduce shopping trips.
14. Buy living Christmas trees.
15. Buy locally grown food and produce.
16. Buy organic, pesticide-free foods.
17. Compost your food scraps.
18. Discover and protect watersheds in your area,
19. Don't burn trash or other smoky materials.
20. Drain cooking grease onto paper bags, not paper towels.
21. Drive a fuel-efficient car.
22. Drive less: walk, bicycle, carpooland use public transportation.

23. Eat foods low on the food chain; avoid meat.
24. Eat more natural, nutritious foods.
25. Educate elected representatives on ecology.
26. Exercise regularly.
27. Explore and learn about your bioregion.
28. Grow your own food, even a small amount.
29. Hang dry some or all of your clothes.
30. Heat your home less and wear warmer clothes.
31. Heat your home more with renewable energies.
32. Hold a potluck dinner to discuss local ecology.
33. If you use a dishwasher, turn off the drying cycle.
34. Install a water-conserving device in your toilets.
35. Install a water-conserving showerhead.
36. Insulate your home to maximum efficiency.
37. Invest for social responsibility as well as profit.
38. Invest in solar power, where practical.
39. Invest in well-made, long-lived clothing.
40. Keep hazardous chemicals in safe containers.
41. Keep appliance motors well adjusted for efficiency.
42. Mend and repair rather than discard and replace.
43. Oppose meddling in ecological balance.
44. Oppose private development of special areas.
45. Oppose roadside use of defoliants.
46. Organize or join a neighborhood toy exchange.

47. Pick up litter along streets and highways.
48. Plant native trees and shrubs around your home.
49. Plant trees throughout your community.
50. Plant your living Christmas tree.
51. Practice preventive health care.
52. Practice responsible family planning.
53. Prepare only as much food as will be eaten.
54. Protect your favorite distinctive natural areas.
55. Purchase goods in reusable/recyclable containers.
56. Put a catalytic converter on your wood stove.
57. Put toxic substances out of reach of children.
58. Recycle aluminum.
59. Recycle glass.
60. Recycle newspaper.
61. Recycle old clothes.
62. Recycle plastic.
63. Recycle used motor oil.
64. Recycle your unneeded items.
65. Re-use paper bags.
66. Re-use plastic bags for storage and waste.
67. Save up for full loads in clothes washers.
68. Save up for full loads in dishwasher.
69. Shop by phone, then go pick up your purchases.
70. Speak out about your values in community groups.
71. Support efficient energy sources in your bioregion.
72. Support elected representatives on ecological issues.
73. Support energy conservation in your bioregion.

74. Support global ecological improvement efforts.
75. Support local credit unions.
76. Support local merchants before large chains.
77. Support neighborhood food cooperatives.
78. Support proper waste water and sewage treatment.
79. Support the cultural diversity in your bioregion.
80. Support the plants and animals in your community.
81. Take shorter showers.
82. Teach your children ecological wisdom.
83. Turn down the thermostat on your water heater.
84. Turn off the lights when not needed.
85. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
86. Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
87. Use cloth diapers.
88. Use cloth table napkins.
89. Use less tapwater whenever possible.
90. Use non-toxic pest control.
91. Use only medications you trust/understand.
92. Use rags or towels instead of paper.
93. Use rechargeable batteries.
94. Use the second side of paper for scratch paper.
95. Use water from cooking vegetables to make soup.
96. Volunteer for work in a community garden.
97. Volunteer to maintain local parks and wilderness.
98. Wash clothes in cold water.
99. Wash dishes in still, not running water.
100. Weather-seal your home.
101. Work to unlearn poor ecological habits

Answer 2

It's curious that you ask in what *small* ways do we stop global warming and then ask how to stop the "Ethanol Trend". Isn't the widespread use of an E85 biofuel the exact example of a small step?

The problem is that every time a solution presents itself, there are an equal amount of skeptics as there are proponents (maybe more)... so the "average" person is simply confused, doesn't know what to do, and just goes on with life taking no action whatsoever.

Finally, you have to provide "green" products which cost as much or less than today's products with the same or better capabilities. Electric cars failed because consumers wanted bigger / faster cars, not smaller ones with limited speeds and driving distances.

Hybrids are now starting to become more popular, since the price is only slightly higher for the same capabilities. Eventually, these cars will become hybrid/biofuel cars... and with continued research by car companies and resounding interest from consumers, additional "small steps" such as this will produce a car with absolutely no emissions.

Answer 3

Because of its nature the actions we can undertake to tackle global warming are meaningful only if they are part of a program followed by a great number of people, such as the kyoto protocol or some better agreement I hope we'll get to in the future. For this reason a useful thing all we can do is to vote for politicians sensitive on this matter.
Anyway we can take "baby steps" in the direction of energy saving to give a good example to people around us and to save money too. Some of these:
-Choose an efficient vehicle: a car should be a means of transport not a way to appear big and strong (SUV);
-Drive smart: get your engine tuned up and keep your tires inflated;
-When possible, choose alternatives to driving (public transit, biking, walking, carpooling), or bundle your errands together so you'll make fewer trips;
-Buy energy-efficient appliances (look for the Energy Star label) and replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs which make the same light with a fifth of energy consumption;
-Weatherize your home or apartment.

At last, an advice for the summer: use air conditioning only when necessary.

Answer 4

Well, in this discussion we will assume that humans and their actions are actually the cause of global warming, a fact that many suspect, but that is still "officially unproven." The best way to help fight global warming is just as you said...baby steps. Recycling causes fewer new things to be produced, therefore reducing the amount of pollution released into the air during the creation of that new product. Keeping your home better insulated and keeping the temperatures warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter reduces the amount of exhaust your air conditioner unit produces. Not topping off your car and filling up during cooler parts of the day helps lower the emissions from the pump. Keeping your car inspected and tuned up will keep its harmful emissions to a minimum. As far as getting others involved, the best way is to talk about it. Tell your friends and family how you feel and what you are doing and odds are they will at least tell someone else. The big thing keeping people from helping out now is that they feel that doing so will cause a lifestyle change or more work for them, neither of which is necessarily true. So, to get them to pitch in, we must make the message appealing to them, just as if we were selling a product. Now the ethanol trend...I am not sure exactly what you mean by that. If you are referring to the creation and production of the bio fuel ethanol, that is a good thing as it will reduce the need for gas and therefore oil which means less pumping and drilling all over the world, which is better for the environment.

Answer 5

1. Buy new CFL lightbulbs. They have a 5 year + lifespan and only use about 13 watts.

2. Turn off the water while you soap up in the shower. It sucks at first but you totally get used to it.

3. Only wash full loads of laundry. Only use the dishwasher on full loads.

4. Walk, ride your bike, or take public trans WHENEVER possible. I ride my bike so much I actually get guilty when I turn on my car nowadays...

5. Unplug any household electronics when not in use.

6. Use canvas tote bags when grocery shopping.

7. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees during the summer and down a few degrees in the winter. You'll save energy and money in the long term... and soon you'll get used to the temp difference.

8. GO VEGETARIAN! Factory farming in the USA contributes more greenhouse gasses than all the cars and trucks in the rest of the world combined! A meateater on a bicycle emits more greenhouse gasses than a vegetarian driving around in a Hummer.

9. Buy your food locally. Transporting food from all over the place contributes to global warming... so buy food that comes from areas close to home.

10. Use freecycle.org instead of throwing away old unwanted items. Don't contribute to landfill waste, instead find a new home for that old junk...


Every little thing you do will really add up in the end! It is NOT up to our politicians and celebrities to make a difference in this world, it is a PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Answer 6

Best way is to turn off the television. If you don't hear about the doom and gloom of so called "global warming", you would have no idea that it's causing any impact at all.

Plus look at all the electricity you would save.

Answer 7

A primary source of CO2 emmissions is through breathing.

Since CO2 is a pollutant that must be banned,

Environmentalists should all commit mass suicide, and therefore do their part to save the planet.

Answer 8

Considering the overwhelming consensus is that we are past the point of no return, I guess you really shouldn't worry about it too much.

Answer 9

Give up your computer and cell phone.

Answer 10

stop using polybags

Answer 11

The primary cause of manmade global warming is heat from the sun being trapped by greenhouse gases. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, the largest contributor is CO2. It's this gas that many individuals and organisations are taking steps to reduce emissions of. Here are some practical steps you can take to combat global warming, some of them will probably duplicate what Byderule has said in his excellent answer.

AT HOME AND WORK
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● When replacing appliances buy energy efficient ones.

● Turn off electrical appliances when not in use, don’t use the standby option.

● Use energy efficient light bulbs and switch off lights when not in use.

● Similarly, turn down water heating by a few degrees.

● Fit individual thermostats to radiators and don't heat rooms that aren't used.

● Insulate walls, lofts, hot water tanks and pipes.

● Turn your heating and air conditioning down, a small difference will be barely noticeable.

● Sign up to a green energy supplier, one that produces energy from renewable sources.

● Turn off heating and air-conditioning when the house or office is unoccupied.

● Wash full loads of clothes at a lower temperature, modern machines and detergents are just as effective at lower temperatures.

● Dry your clothes outdoors instead of in a tumble drier.

● Wash full loads in the dish-washer.

● Insulate your home and block draughts around doors and windows. In Europe this is free to many people.

● Consider installing a renewable energy system such as solar panels or a home wind turbine.

● Use rechargeable batteries; don’t leave rechargers on for longer than is needed (including mobile / cell-phones).

● Boil only as much water in the kettle as you need.

● Buy locally produced organic food where possible, there's less transportation and the farming methods are more environmentally friendly.

● Look where goods were manufactured and avoid buying those that have been flown or shipped long distances.

● Recycle and reuse as much as possible. Sign up with mail preferential services to stop junk mail.

● Avoid buying products with excessive packaging.

● Don’t have your fridge or freezer set lower than need to be, regularly defrost freezers, don’t put hot food into your fridge or freezer.

● If your fridge or freezer is over 15 years old then consider replacing it (check with local authority regarding disposal of old one).

● Work from home where possible.

● Eat less meat and dairy produce, farming produces large quantities of greenhouse gases.


ENERGY EFFICIENT TRAVELLING
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For many people a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved by driving a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Each gallon of gasoline burned produces 10kg (20 pounds) of carbon dioxide.

● Drive a fuel efficient vehicle, if you have more than one vehicle then use the most economical one more often.

● Consider walking or cycling when going to work or taking the kids to schools, if you have to drive then consider car sharing.

● Use public transport where possible and consider taking a coach or train instead of using domestic flights.

● When replacing your vehicle look at diesel and liquid petroleum gas models.

● Combine multiple journeys into one and do your weekly shopping in a single trip.

● Stagger journeys where possible to avoid rush hour traffic and hold ups.


FUEL SAVING TIPS FOR DRIVERS
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By driving carefully and keeping your vehicle in good condition you can save up to 30% on your fuel bills and cut greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. Below are some tips for increasing fuel efficiency, there's more information on the Eartheasy Website - http://eartheasy.com/live_fuel_efficient_driving.htm

● Avoid harsh braking, accelerate gently and drive at a steady speed.

● Keep tyres inflated to the correct pressure.

● Remove bike and ski racks when not in use, also remove detachable roof racks, luggage boxes etc.

● Carrying unnecessary weight wastes fuel, declutter your vehicle.

● Use the correct gear and use cruise control if your vehicle has it.

● Keep your vehicle regularly services.

● Turn the engine off when stopped or waiting.


CARBON OFFSETTING
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Carbon Offsetting is one way to reduce or eliminate your carbon footprint, in most cases this involves calculating your greenhouse gas emissions and planting trees so as to absorb an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide. Some websites where you can calculate your carbon footprint and purchase offsetting are...

The Woodland Trust
http://www.carbonbalanced.org/

Carbon Footprint - http://www.carbonfootprint.com/USA/calculator.html

The Carbon Neutral Company - http://www.carbonneutral.com/pinfo/carbonoffsetting.asp

My Climate
http://www.myclimate.org/index.php?lang=en

Atmosfair
http://www.atmosfair.de/index.php?id=9&L=3


FURTHER INFORMATION
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Natural Resource Defense Council
http://www.nrdc.org/air/energy/genergy.asp

Energy Saving Trust
http://www.est.org.uk/myhome/

Carbon Trust
http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy

Energy Quest
http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy

US Government
http://www.energy.gov/energyefficiency/index.htm

Alliance to Save Energy
http://www.ase.org/

UK Government
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Energyandwatersaving/DG_064371

Rough Guides
http://www.roughguides.com/savingenergy/

Salt River Project
http://www.srpnet.com/menu/energy.aspx