Global warming is caused (mainly) by carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, today's modern global economy relies heavily on carbon-based fuels. Therefore, preventing global warming may seem difficult. However, there are many ways that can be taken to reduce its effects. By changing your consumption habits, taking steps to save energy, and joining forces with others, you can take steps just to prevent global warming. In the end, you will not only save your beloved earth, but also have a lot of fun while raising awareness and making a difference.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Changing Consumption Habits
Step 1. Consume less animal products
Since the manufacture (preparation) and delivery of meat and animal products requires a lot of energy, water, and other sources, you can lower your carbon footprint by reducing your consumption of animal products. Instead of consuming these products, try eating a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. To live this lifestyle or habit, refocus your food consumption on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Step 2. Buy local products
By reducing the consumption of products that are produced far from where you live, you are not only supporting the local economy, but also reducing your overall carbon footprint. Look for local products that are sold by your local community.
- Visit the surprise market (or traditional market) for locally produced products and foods.
- Purchase products (eg furniture) from local artisans.
Step 3. As much as possible recycle and reuse existing items
Since manufacturing certain materials from scratch requires a lot of energy, recycling and reusing products can reduce the amount of energy required to make new products. Take advantage of the recycling baskets provided by the city government. If you don't have one (or your city doesn't provide one), collect plastic, aluminum, and paper items and take them regularly to the nearest recycling center.
- Donate unwanted items instead of throwing them away.
- Use cloth towels, reusable plates, and silver cutlery instead of paper towels, paper plates, and disposable cutlery.
Method 2 of 3: Save Energy
Step 1. Reduce the frequency of driving
Since driving is one of the greatest human contributions to global warming, reducing the frequency of driving can make a big impact. There are many ways that can be followed to reduce it:
- Use a pick-up or carpool service to go to work with other people.
- Use mass transportation. Try taking the bus, subway, or electric train to get around.
- Plan weekly or monthly shopping instead of going shopping every time you need something.
Step 2. Try riding a bicycle
Buy a new bike, a used bike, or a refurbished bike. While you don't need to cycle anywhere, you can use it to get around town, exercise, or visit friends. In the end, you can save energy while keeping fit.
Step 3. Take care of your car
If you can't move or live without a car, use your vehicle in a way that can reduce the impact of global warming. By maintaining your vehicle regularly, you can save on fuel costs and future repairs.
- Make sure the car tires are filled with enough air. Lack of air in tires can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 9% and increase the risk of wear and tear. Check tire air pressure every month.
- Replace the car air filter. Check the vehicle's air filter every month. Cleaning the filter can increase mileage and reduce pollution because the vehicle can take in air more easily and maintain the right mixture of fuel and air.
Step 4. Perform thermal insulation or insulation on the house and important equipment
Try to insulate items that use energy so that their temperature is relatively stable compared to the temperature of the surrounding environment. You can buy thermal insulation kits in a variety of types from hardware stores.
- Insulate water heaters to reduce carbon dioxide production to (approximately) 220 cubic meters per year. Also avoid using heating engines equipped with pilot lights to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 200 kilograms per year.
- Re-insulate the temperature of all parts of the house to reduce heating or cooling costs. If the insulation product used is old or inefficient, replace it with a new product immediately. Try insulating attics, crevices, basements, walls, and roofs. If there are small spaces in the house, you can use the services of a professional contractor to fill the space with cellulose insulation or fiberglass.
- Cover the house with weather strip or upholstery. Cover doors, windows, and climate control (HVAC) systems with weather strips. This coating can reduce carbon emissions by up to 400 cubic meters per year.
Step 5. Use a fluorescent or LED light
Try walking around the house and count how many incandescent bulbs you use. After that, visit the store and buy fluorescent (fluorescent) or LED bulbs to replace existing incandescent bulbs. By replacing old lamps, you can save more energy.
- A standard fluorescent lamp can save about a third of a ton of greenhouse gases over its lifetime.
- LED lamps are the most efficient type and can save more energy. However, they may be more expensive than ordinary fluorescent lamps.
- Try replacing as many lights as you can in your home with energy-efficient ones (eg fluorescent or LED), and give energy-efficient ones as gifts to family or friends. You can also donate a set of energy-saving lamps to charities to install in the office.
Method 3 of 3: Grappling in Activism
Step 1. Contact local parliaments and encourage them to take steps to fight global warming
Since political leaders have a lot of power to change systems, one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming is to urge them to take steps to prevent the phenomenon. Start by finding out the people's representatives at the local, regional, and national levels first. After that, contact the House of Representatives and share your concern about the global warming phenomenon. You can also ask them to:
- Promote mass transportation projects.
- Help fund alternative energy projects.
- Support regulations that limit carbon emissions. For example, tell them that you support implementing a carbon emission tax.
- Follow agreements or agreements with foreign countries to limit carbon emissions (eg Kyoto Protocol).
Step 2. Tell people about the dangers of global warming
Take the initiative and share your concern about global warming with those around you. By talking about or mentioning this phenomenon, you can tell others about the impact the phenomenon will have on their lives, their children, or their grandchildren.
- Tell others why you do certain things, such as living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
- Tell others about things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, such as insulating your home or reducing the number of times you drive.
- Don't be too pushy. If someone doesn't want to talk about global warming, that's fine. There's no reason to ostracize someone who doesn't share your point of view.
Step 3. Join an advocacy group
Look for organizations or groups that have the same concern about the environment in your city/area. There are probably many groups around you who are trying to educate the local community about this phenomenon and make real changes to reduce the impact of global warming. Several national and international groups that play a role in fighting global warming include:
- Green Peace
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- The Environmental Defense Fund
- Green America
- The Sierra Club
- Idle No More
