Thursday, May 29, 2008
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5:35 PM
Posted by
karthikeyan
| | | Does your ride have a diesel engine? If so, then you can likely convert it to run off of biodiesel. Biodiesel is a non-toxic, clean, and renewable fuel made from agricultural products * Climate Hero | |
| Water heater hot? Give it a blanket. If your hot water heater feels warm, then additional insulation will help save energy. Wrapping a blanket around your water heater reduces your energy use by up to 9%. A new blanket pays for itself in 1 year. * Climate Leader |
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| | Make your eyes as big as your stomach. The average family of four wastes $600 of food a year. In addition to the unsavory price tag, food waste also contributes to pesticide pollution, fossil fuel use, deforestation, and water use. * Climate Friend | |
| Plan driving ahead of time. Gasoline made from fossil fuels is the largest man-made source of carcinogens and the leading source of toxic emissions, according to the . EPA. Instead of going on several trips, try to combine them. Combining trips can reduce gas consumption and emissions. And added bonus: your car runs most efficiently when it’s warm. * Climate Friend | |  |
| Sun likes it hot. Use the sun to heat living spaces and water with this highly efficient technology . Solar heating works with existing hot water, pool, and forced air systems. Find out who installs systems in your area. Federal and state incentives reduce their price. * Climate Hero | |
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5:34 PM
Posted by
karthikeyan
| | | Go organic. Besides being good for you, organic produce also helps fight global warming. Organic farms capture carbon dioxide from the air and trap it in the soil. In fact, organic soils contain up to 28% more carbon than other soils. * Climate Friend | |
| Go on a recycling binge. Virgin materials require massive amounts of resources and their production generates greenhouse gases. If you’re reading this website, chances are you already recycle. Don’t stop there. Examine ways to increase your recycling rate! Get your friends, family, coworkers, church, community group, and local businesses to recycle, too. * Climate Friend | | | | | | | Maintain your car. Pay attention to any strange sounds and smells coming from your car. Regular maintenance can extend your car’s life and improve fuel efficiency. A clogged air filter can increase gas consumption by 10%. * Climate Friend | |
| Talk to The Man. Many corporations respond to their customers and provide more environmentally friendly products. Ask your favorite companies to use recycled materials, renewable energy, or to reduce their energy consumption. * Climate Hero | |  |
| Is there another way to get there? Is it within walking distance? Can you carpool or take public transit? Do you enjoy biking? A nationwide 10% increase in transit ridership would save 135 million gallons of gas a year and create fewer greenhouse gases. | |
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5:29 PM
Posted by
karthikeyan
| | | Share. Didn’t your mother always tell you to share? If you only use your tent, ladder, or video player once in a while, consider lending it to others. Some communities have a shared tool shed. Workplaces have book exchanges. Or, you and a friend can team up to buy rarely used items. Sharing decreases the energy and pollution from mining, manufacturing, packaging, and transporting new goods. * Climate Leader | |
| Get a new A/C filter. Cleaning or replacing your air conditioner filters increases efficiency and makes it run in peak condition. Filters can be found along the length of the return duct in walls, ceilings, furnaces, or in the air conditioning unit itself. In window units, filters may lie inside of the air conditioner or they may slide out. See this list of helpful tips on buying an efficient air conditioner. * Climate Friend | | | | | | | Go on a tree spree. Planting trees removes carbon from the atmosphere, filters air, and prevents soil erosion. It’s best to plant trees native to your area that don’t require heavy irrigation. * Climate Hero | |
| Lose the heavy stuff. Each 100 lbs. in your car increases gas consumption by 1-2%. Another great reason to leave all bricks and rocks at home! * Climate Friend | |  |
| Practice gas station etiquette. Handle the pump with care and avoid topping off. Spilled fuel evaporates and causes air pollution. Also, try to buy gas during cooler times in the day or during evening hours when there is less evaporation. | |