SRI-RTP

You don’t have to be a scientist to come up with a solution to the global warming problems that are currently facing the world. Here we offer some easy-to-incorporate ideas that anyone can incorporate in their daily life to help reduce the impact of global climate change.Get a home energy audit. As with any solution you have to first understand the magnitude of the problem, and there’s only one way to get a clear understanding of where potential energy savings may be than through an energy audit offered by most utility companies. In lieu of having someone come in an immediate fix is to replace an outdated thermostat with a new programmable one (which in most cases reduces a family’s carbon dioxide emission by 5 percent).Shed light on the situation. You’ve seen those funny looking light bulbs but may have not yet used them in your home. By switching one regular light bulb with an energy-saving option in every household, global warming pollution could be reduced by more than 90 billion pounds over the course of the bulb’s life. That’s with one bulb. Imagine the impact if you changed every bulb in your home!Thaw out. If you have a freezer in a utility room or garage that really isn’t being used as efficiently as you imagined when you first purchased it, consider unplugging it except when absolutely needed (for holidays, parties, etc.) and a typical family’s carbon dioxide emission will be reduced by almost 10 percent.Plant your own forest. Chances are if you moved into a new(ish) home in a suburban area the land was cleared of trees so the builders could more easily access the building sites. Do your part and replant those trees in your yard or get a group of homeowners together to plant groupings of trees in some common area. Not only will these trees provide desirable shade during the summer months, but they’ll help reduce energy bills (which means less fossil fuel use).Send an email. We would say “write a letter” to policymakers, but that would require paper to write it and gas to deliver it. Kind of defeats the purpose, wouldn’t you agree? Instead, email elected officials and business leaders in your immediate geographic area (and beyond, should you feel compelled) and let them know of your concern and ask for their stance and solutions on global warming.