There is some very disappointing news about climate change and some people’s stubborn refusal to accept that the climate is changing around them. Some of the changes are already happening and are having devastating effects on animals and ecosystems. For example, the coral in Florida are so stressed by the warmer water temperatures they are going through a process called “bleaching.” If they continue this, they can starve to death.
Further Bad News:
- The National Audubon Society reports that many of the bird species in the United States will either have to settle for a much smaller territory or have to relocate completely. If they do not, many of these species can become extinct in the next 65 years or so.
- Agencies have revealed that there is currently 253% more methane in the atmosphere than during the preindustrial era. Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are both greatly increased.
Little Steps with Big Impacts
The average person probably thinks there is very little that they can do to help in the fight against climate change. But surprisingly there are quite a few things that people can do, and some of them are not only good for the environment, they are good for the family’s budget and overall health as well. Some of these little steps that you can take for a better tomorrow include:
- Take the greener approach to getting around your town. Whether you are going to work or doing errands, you can reduce the amount of an impact that you make on the world around you. If you must drive, carpool or at least consolidate all of your errands into one trip as much as possible. Get the most out of your car by making sure that it is in top running condition. Use public transportation where possible or get the biggest impact on climate change savings by biking or walking wherever possible.
- Use the least amount of energy whenever possible. Buy LED light bulbs. You can even replace your holiday lights with LED lights, which are not only more energy efficient but are much brighter and burn cooler than the traditional ones. Unplug electronics when they are not in use- this prevents them from sucking electricity. Computers and televisions are notorious energy vampires and will draw some energy even when not turned on. Hang clothes on a line to dry. Your dryer is one of the biggest energy users in your entire house. You can even hang clothes on a line in the basement when the weather is not cooperating.
- Switch to cleaner, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power wherever possible.
- Nearly 20 percent of greenhouse gas is caused by the production of meat and dairy products, so try to go meat-free for one day per week. There are plenty of vegetarian food options and recipes that might make you decide to make the full leap and eliminate meat from your diet altogether.
- Compost, reduce and recycle as much as possible so there is less to take to the landfill, another huge contributor of greenhouse gases.