Solving the world's global warming plan is often discussed in scientific terms that make it sound impossible for your average Joe to make any difference. Not so.
International news about trading carbon emission credits, the weakening of ozone-molecule structure due to chlorofluorocarbon contamination, and benchmark setting for greenhouse gases. These incomprehensible words and phrases are what we hear about so often when we read about doing good for the environment.
But take heart my Earth-concious, non-PhD holding friend. Tackling the world's biggest problem doesn't require the brains of a rocket scientist or the budget of a world superpower. In fact there are a lot of easy and cheap ways - some that cost nothing and can be done with commonly found household materials - to make your home more sustainable. Do your part for the environment and even save money (that's the part most people tend to like) with these tips:
Heating and Cooling
- Reduce thermostat temperature at night and when away on vacation
- Clean or replace your furnace air filter every month
- Install an over-head fan to really cool down a room
- Open south-facing window blinds on sunny winter days
Water heaters
- Wrap your tank in a special blanket available at hardware stores to keep heat
- Remove a bucket of water from the heater a month to get rid of sediment
- Wrap water pipes in insulating foam
- Don't take baths - shower
Other tips
- On sunny days, hang your laundry to dry
- Fill a small milk jug with water and place it in your toilet's tank if you don't have a low flow toilet. This is will greatly reduce water use.
- Seriously consider solar power, or wind power to complement electricity in your home.
