I Want To Help Stop Global Warming, But I Don't Know How!?

Question

I really want to help stop global but I'm 15 and in 10th grade. I really want to help make a difference, but the only thing is, I don't know how! I am part of my school's leadership (ASB) and in charge of the recycling program. And I saw this special on TV lasrt night about how global warming is affecting the earth and I want to help make a difference. Since the adults won't do anything to help it's up to us kids now! (No offence)

Answer 1

Here's a long answer that gives ideas that you, your family and school friends can do to help slow down the effects of global warming. The recycling programme you're involved with is an excellent idea, this is one area which makes a big difference, good luck with that.

You'll be pleased to know that there's an awful lot of adults as well as kids that are keen to see something done about global warming. The skeptics are very vocal but they're few in number (they're outnumbered 12 to 1 by people who think climate change is a serious issue).

Anyway, here's those ideas, I hope they help you...

● BUY ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES. Appliances usually state how energy efficient they are, look for the Energy Star label or efficiency rating, compare different models and opt for ones with a lower Wattage.

● DON’T USE STANDBY. A device such as a TV or computer still consumed power when put into standby mode, as it’s usually in standby for many hours it consumes a lot of power over time.

● SWITCH OFF WHEN NOT IN USE. If you’re not using something then switch it off, most people probably have far more lights on at any one time then are actually being used.

● USE ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTBULBS. Conventional bulbs use considerably more electricity than compact fluorescent lighbulbs (CFLs) or halogen bulbs, they last a lot longer as well. Some local authorities provide them for free or heavily subsidised,

● LOWER YOUR THERMOSTAT. Turning your thermostat down by one or two degrees can significantly reduce power consumption and you’ll hardly notice the difference.

● HEAT ONLY WHAT’S NEEDED. Turn heaters and radiators off in rooms that aren’t used and fit individual thermostats to radiators.

● TURN DOWN THE WATER HEATER. Many people have their water heating turned up too high with the result they need to add cold water to the sink or bath, turn the water heater down so the water temp isn’t too hot.

● INSULATE YOUR PROPERTY. Much heat is lost through insufficient or lack of insulation. Make sure pipes, walls, lofts, hot water tanks are well insulated. It’s cheap and effective, check out the availability of grants.

● TURN THE AIR CON DOWN. As with turning the heating down, large savings on your energy use can be achieved by turning the air conditioning down a bit. Saves on your electricity bill as well.

● SGN UP TO A GREEN ENERGY SUPPLIER. Most power is generated by burning fossil fuels, one of the biggest contributors to global warming. Switch your supply to a provider that generates their electricity from renewable energy sources.

● DRESS APPROPRIATELY. When it’s cold put on a jumper rather than turn up the heating, when it’s warm take it off again rather than use the air con.

● WASH FULL LOADS. When you’re doing the washing wait until you’ve got a full load before running the machine.

● WASH AT LOWER TEMPS. Most detergents these days are just as effective at lower temps – often just 30°C, check the packaging.

● DRY WASHING OUTSIDE. If the weather’s nice dry your clothes outside rather than in a tumble drier. If drying inside then don’t turn heating on just to dry your clothes.

● WHEN THE HOUSE IS UNOCCUPIED. If you’re on holiday then turn off everything apart from the essentials like the fridge and freezer, just have one or two lights come on in the evening by using timer switches.

● WHEN THE WORKPLACE IS UNOCCUPIED. The last person to leave should go round and switch everything off and turn out the lights before leaving.

● AVOID DISHWASHERS. Wash pots and pans by hand, it uses much less water and energy. If you do use a dishwasher then wait until it’s full before running it.

● REDUCE DRAUGHTS. Fit draught excluders round doors and windows, this service may be available for free – check with the local authority.

● GENERATE YOUR OWN POWER. Consider fitting solar panels or a wind turbine to your house. The initial cost can be recouped in time and there’s no greenhouse gas emissions generated (unlike conventional power supplies).

● USE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES. Batteries are a very poor source of energy, they require much more energy to produce than they provide.

● DON’T OVERCHARGE DEVICES. Don’t leave (re)chargers on for longer than is needed, most devices have an indicator to show when fully charged, leaving the charger on for longer than is needed doesn’t help the device and it wastes power.

● ONLY BOIL THE WATER YOU NEED. When boiling the kettle only fill it with the amount of water you need (ensure the water in the kettle reaches the minimum level), not only is it quicker but it avoids wasting electricity and reduces your bill.

● BUY LOCAL PRODUCE. There's less transportation and the farming methods are more environmentally friendly. Similarly, look where goods were manufactured, avoid buying those that have been shipped long distances.

● RECYLE AND REUSE. Recycling products uses much less energy and natural resources then manufacturing them in the first place.

● REDUCE PAPER CONSUMPTION. Sign up with mail preferential services to stop junk mail. Get your news from the internet rather than buying a newspaper. Opt for paperless billing from utility companies.

● MINIMUM PACKAGING. Avoid products with excessive packaging, especially expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) and plastic wrapping.

● FRIDGES AND FREEZERS. Modern appliances are more efficient than older ones, it may be economically viable to replace old models (check with local authority regarding disposal of old one). Don’t have them set to a lower temp than is recommended, regularly defrost, don’t leave the door open and avoid putting hot food into them.

● WORK FROM HOME. If possible work from home, it saves time and fuel travelling.

● EAT LESS MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS. Modern farming methods produce large quantities of greenhouse gases.

● SHOWER INSTEAD OF BATH. A shower uses a lot less water so there’s less heating involved, if you do bath then don’t fill it so much.

● CONSERVE WATER. The less water you use the less energy is needed to pump it to your home or office and to deal with the waste at a sewerage treatment works.


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 use the most economical one more often.

● Walk or cycle to work or when taking the kids to schools, if you have to drive consider car sharing.

● Use public transport where possible

● Take 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, drive at a steady speed.

● Keep tyres properly inflated.

● Remove bike and ski and roof racks when not in use.

● Carrying unnecessary weight wastes fuel, declutter your vehicle.

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

● Keep your vehicle regularly serviced.

● 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

Answer 2

Outstanding question and it is great that you want to help the environment! First, there is nothing you can do to stop Global Warming. Man is not responsible for Global Warming. The Earth goes through cycles as does absolutely everything in nature. Do not buy into any program that wants your money to help curb Global Warming. They are scams that prey on well-intentioned gullible people who care about our planet. Do not stop eating meat if you like meat. Cow flatulence does not cause Global Warming. If you want to take a bath - take a nice hot bath - enjoy yourself.

That being said, you can definitely help conserve energy and the planet's valuable resources. While I do not agree with Trevor's belief in Man-Induced Global Warming, he has some good input on things that can be done to help conserve energy and our planet's resources .

You may want to volunteer to help clean up a neighborhood stream or help plant trees and flowers. If you enjoy walking, go hiking in a local forest.

Answer 3

it's nice that you are concerned with the environment however you cannot stop global warming. you can do your part by recycling and not driving a car but taking alternative forms of transportation -bus, bicycle, etc. Limit you usage of power (Turn off the stereo!!!) but the truth of the matter is Earth has it's own natural cycles and it's time for it to start warming up again. Happens every 10,000 years. I wish everyone would stop freaking out about it.

Answer 4

If you want to stop global warming then tell people to
:stop cutting trees,
: turn off every light that nobody is using,
:if is really cold turn off the AC,
:if you play board games turn of the TV,
: if you have a lot of trash recycle the trash
:if you have a tv on and you are not watching turn it off
:if you are not using computer turn it off
:if you have a dish washer then wash it on your own unless you want to have global warming.

Answer 5

Hi sweetie, many congratulations on becoming environmentally aware, I caught on when I was around your age too. To help the environment simply recycle all your packaging at home, turn off unnecessary electrical stuff at the plug, use less water (wear your clothes more than once) and encourage everyone you know to do the same, if everyone did this we would certainly make a difference, good luck, God bless. x

Answer 6

im glad that you want to stop global warming, so do millions of other people, but you cant "stop" it, ou can help out by recycling and picking up trash, which is a good thing, but it wont stop it. There are things to worry about, like the effects of global warming, but there is not much people can do.
but its really nice that you care alot, and that your in a club.
& sorry that you cant stop it.
:D

Answer 7

Kid, take it from me - a recovering Environ-Mental.

It's great that you care about the environment. I cared - A Lot. It made me feel superior to those in the unenlightened class who didn't, including my parents. I separated trash fastidiously, sneered at people who drove the wrong cars or bought items housed in the wrong packaging, read Gore and Ehrlich and Foreman (the self-proclaimed eco-warrior)...

Here's one thing I learned, and please take this to heart. People DO NOT like to be pestered and judged about their lifestyle choices. You will ostracize many people who are close to you if you take this aspect of your life too seriously.

Remember - Earth has been around for BILLIONS of years. Its climate has never been stable. It will be around for another 5 BILLION years regardless of what you do.

It's nice to be concerned, but don't be preachy and sanctimonious. It's just not worth it.

Answer 8

Well the good news is we can not effect global warming. So do not worry.

But if you really want to do something, paint all black surfaces white (like asphalt). As we know, black absorbs heat, while light colors reflect it. If we can all paint the roads white, we may still be able to save ourselves.

Answer 9

Don't have children, Live in a little house, drive a little car, buy local products, use public transportation, install solar on your house, keep lights off, recycle, don't use store bags, walk more, keep house cold in winter, keep house worm in summer,

Answer 10

Your could start by maybe not leaving socket switches on even if not in use, toilet brick to reduce the amount of water you use,solar panels,RECYCLE!

Answer 11

go to stopglobalwarming.com i wish there were more ppl like you.