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Hot Tips for a Cool
Planet
The EarthSmart Life | by Kim Carlson
When was the last time you thought about your relationship to the planet? The planet-human
relationship needs just as much love and caring as any friendship. And it isn't all
one-sided. If we're good to the planet, the planet will sustain us. If all we do
is take, the planet may not be able to tolerate us and throw us over for dolphins
¿ a kinder gentler being. Mmmm, conjures up images of a global warming disaster movie,
doesn't it?
Global warming, climate change and greenhouse gases are caused by too much carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere. Power plants, cars and factories release carbon dioxide
into the air. Just about everything we drive, most products we buy and every modern
convenience that we enjoy can add to the problem. Now, it's true that some amount
of carbon dioxide is necessary in our atmosphere to retain our planet's sunshine
and warmth. But there has to be a careful balance. Too little carbon dioxide and
earth is a frozen wasteland. Too much and we have global warming.
The only things being debated about global warming these days are how fast we are
warming, and how much damage it will do. Global warming is the crisis that should
get us into therapy to look at our relationship with the earth. Sometimes it feels
rather overwhelming. But don't throw your hands up yet. There are lots of easy things
we can do to improve the situation. And you don't have to do everything. Try just
a couple. Here are a few ideas.
Turn it down
Turn down your thermostat in the winter, and up in the summer. Buy a programmable
setback thermostat to help control the temperature. Use compact fluorescent bulbs
in lamps that are used frequently. In fact, replace the five most used lights in
your home with fluorescents. Look for the Energy Star label for all appliances and
electronics. (You can find them in just about any brand at any store.) Appliances
with this EPA-backed rating can save you up to one third on your energy bill. Get
an energy audit too, to find out where energy is sneaking out of your home.
Cruise Control
Buy a fuel-efficient car. If you can't get a hybrid because the waiting list is too
long, buy a car that uses gas made from corn (E85). If it isn't time for a new car,
make sure your tires are inflated properly, drive smoothly and get regular maintenance
on your vehicle for better fuel efficiency. Better yet, move to a home close to where
you work or move your work closer to home by finding out if there are options for
telecommuting. Bike, walk, scooter, rollerblade or ride a unicycle to your destination.
You'll get great exercise and get to work too!
Green the lawn
Plant trees, because trees capture and hold carbon dioxide. They also provide shade,
reducing the need for air conditioning. For the lawn, use four cycle mowers that
burn "cleaner" or cut grass with electric mulching mowers. And try to mow
by the height of the grass rather than on a weekly schedule. Or, plant native prairie
grasses or plants that are beautiful and don't require frequent mowing.
Blowin' in the wind
Purchase renewable energy from your electric company. For example, Xcel's program
is called "Windsource." Renewable energy includes wind, solar and biomass,
which is energy made from crops. Contact your electrical provider for details.
Conscious Consumption
Purchase products with less packaging, and re-use or recycle grocery bags. Try to
use your recycle bin more than your garbage can. Whenever a product can be re-used,
there is a positive impact on global warming. Also, try to buy foods from your local
co-op or grocery store that are produced close to home. Less transportation means
less gas used!
It's natural to close our eyes and ears to global warming. It can seem too big of
a problem for us to solve. But that's the same thinking that could turn our beautiful
world into a disaster flick. Remember last summer's blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow?
Bad movie with a great point! Small individual changes can have an affect on the
planet. If we all take a few positive steps, we may be able to avoid bad weather
and a planet that's just too hot. And we'll have a better, more balanced relationship
with our planet.
Kim Carlson, the EarthSmart Consumer, shares fun and practical ways to live a
more planet friendly and human healthy lifestyle. From natural beauty and green gifts,
to providing eco-makeovers for entire homes, Kim blends responsible consumerism with
her own brand of "eco-chic." Kim regularly promotes EarthSmart tips on
local and national television. She is also a frequent guest on talk radio programs,
and is a contributing editor to several major magazines. Kim can be reached at kim@earthsmartconsumer.com.
Copyright © 2005 Kim Carlson. All rights reserved. |
| February 2005 |
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