Easy, everyday ways to act on climate change?

Question

All I do at the moment is switching off lights and appliances when I'm not using them, and I use a cotton carrier bag in place of plastic bags. However I know there is a lot more I could be doing, but it seems really overwhelming and I don't know where to start. What are some simple things that I can start off with?

Answer 1

You have a great start.  I also recycle everything.

-Bring cans and bottles to your local grocery store and get some money for them.  Everything else, (shampoo bottles, old Tupperware, empty aluminum cans of food etc) can be put in a recycle bin.  Also recycle your paper.  Shred bills and put all other old papers in a paper bag at the curb on garbage day.  Most towns will take them, if you're not sure, call and ask.  

-Also donate your old clothes to charity, or exchange them with friends.  

-Another huge thing that you can do is get your name off of a company mailing list, and switch to receiving e-mails from them. Ex. If you receive a Vera Bradley catalogs every month, somewhere in the catalog there will be a customer service number. Call them and say, Hi my name is _____ and I would like to be removed from your mailing list.  They might ask for your address too. Then, if you like Vera Bradley, log onto their website and sign up for e-mails.  You can also do this with bank account reminders too.  Hope that helps!  

Answer 2

I just relax and have a beer because I know it's the Sun, not man that causes the planet to warm up and cool down.

Answer 3

If the earth is getting warmer, buy land in cold areas, purchase stock in Crane and other air conditioner manufacturers, sell what property you have in warm areas.  

Answer 4

www.carbonreset.com

I visit 10 times a day minimum!

Answer 5

Don't listen to Ed and keep doing what your doing!

One little thing you can do is to eat less dairy and red meat.  Dairy and cattle farms are huge sources of methane (a potent GHG).  They also use a lot of fertilizers and other inputs.  Eat chicken, fish, egg, or veggies instead.

Answer 6

walk to work/school if they are close....buy a hybrid car

Answer 7

Turn your thermostat down and put on a jumper

recycle anything you can eg.glass bottles,paper etc (because it takes alot of energy to make new ones)

walk or take the bus instead of the car (people think you have to walk everywhere but if it is along way take the bus. everyone in that bus is saving a trip in the car) also car share with a friend

There are some basic things to get you started. I think its a great thing your doing and good luck!!!

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Answer 8

Use as little water as possible. If you have a lawn, don't water it with sprinklers. Use a hose and spray water your lawn.

Answer 9

What climate change? It is the same now as it always has been. Al Gore has somehow gotten inside your head and made you as crazy as he is. If you want to act like you are doing some good, use public transportation.

Answer 10

Well, what I do is this:

1-I work in an office, and therefore I see a TON of paper wasted. I now collect paper and weekly recycle at my daughter's school (they luckily have a paper collection dumpster, and most cities are now incorporating this. Check into you local area to see if they offer such a thing). I recycle ALL paper at my home. We use a box and throw literally every piece of paper in it. We crush down our cardboard food boxes even.

2-Recycle! In our home, we have a separate box to place our glass, aluminum, and plastic in. We only fill a garbage can once every other week with our family of three!

3-Switch you light bulbs to the new longer lasting ones they offer in stores. They are around $6, but they use a lot less energy. Also, unplug any unused appliances.

4-Don't use A/C. We didn't use it this summer, and surprisingly, it wasn't so bad!

5-Never let your car idle needlessly. If you're stuck in traffic, turn it off!

6-Be a vegetarian and support your local farmer's market. The energy that is costs/wastes to produce that steak is frightening!  

7-Walk instead. Not only is it good exercise, it's better. Only drive if necessary and try to carpool. It's a good way to get to know people as well.

I like this website: www.thedailygreen.com

It's a good one to subscribe to for news and tips on going green!