We have all heard the term ‘global warming’. We have heard it in the news, seen it in the papers and discussed it with friends. It is a new term, and it is taking the world by storm, literally. Global warming is a new phenomenon that is causing serious changes in the condition of the earth. If left untreated, it could lead to serious, irreversible damage. This is not to be taken lightly. There does not seem to be much being done to combat the issue at the top levels of government. Governments still seem to be chasing short term gain rather than looking at the possible future down the road. That is why this article is here. If those at the top will not do anything to help the matter, why don’t we start with the ordinary people, you and I. there is much that we as homeowners can do in the home to fight against global warming. This article will set out some of these ways. But first, it is important to know what exactly global warming is and how it is caused.
Global warming first came into social consciousness when Al Gore, who was running against George Bush in the US presidency, had global warming and climate change as the focal point of his policy. When we go about our daily lives, we release what are known as carbon emissions. These emissions are a result of the carbon that we burn to fuel our homes, cars and factories. Not only are they bad for our health, but they are very bad for the health of the earth’s atmosphere. The O-Zone layer is an atmospheric coating that surrounds the earth, it helps to keep everything in balance; it keeps the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Due to higher carbon emissions, holes have been punctured in this O-Zone layer. The rays from the sun have been able to enter, where once they could not. This has resulted in a heating up of the world, hence the name global warming. Ice caps are melting, deserts are growing and climates are changing. Here is how you as a homeowner can help in the fight against it.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Most of the objects that we use in our daily lives contain some form of plastic in them. Plastic is a toxic material that takes years to break down. Not only this, but we use a vast amount of material, which, in the past, we would simply discard. We have now taken the initiative to reduce our consumption, reuse materials more than once, and recycle old parts of products to make a new one out of them. This has been very beneficial, seeing emissions go down as less factories are required to make new products. Similarly, there is less waste emitting toxins into the air. One of the best places to start recycling is in the home. All you need to do is separate your wheelie bins and put the correct material into the correct bin. A company will then collect the designated material on the designated day. Simple!
Reduce the Consumption of Energy
Many people think that reducing the energy they use is impossible, however, it is actually quite easy. What is needed are some simple tricks to help you get on your way. Saving energy is about being smart and saving where you can. No one is saying to turn off your heating at night and go to bed cold! That is not the point. The point is saving energy where you are otherwise using it when it is not needed. The most obvious and well known is to not let the tap run when you are brushing your teeth. Think of all the water saved over a year if you do this. Others are to keep windows closed when you are heating the house and to turn off the light when you leave a room. If you want to go a step further, you could look into getting solar panels for your house. Although they can be costly at the initial stages, solar panels serve to save you money in the long run. They are an investment and will see you reduce your energy consumption by a vast amount. There are many providers who can supply full, or semi-fitted solar panels. For more information, read here.
Climate change is having serious implications for wildlife around the world, people around the world and it will have serious implications for the next generation if it is left untreated. We need to take action now to prevent what could be a catastrophe. Be a leader, take the steps to show initiative and that you are serious about survival. For more information on climate change and global warming, look to this link.