Global warming is perhaps one of the most crucial, and most debated topics of our time. Most often, it is large companies who bear the brunt of criticism here.
Corporations’ sizeable carbon footprints and wasteful ways have been singled out time and time again as the main causes of global warming. However, there are also plenty of seemingly small things that individuals can do to help to prevent global warming.
Global warming is sometimes used synonymously with climate change. However, climate change does not always involve the earth warming.
What is global warming?
Global warming can be defined as:
- the warming of the earth.
- gradual increase in the earth’s temperature that is sustained over a long period of time (i.e. it is not simply attributable to a fluke weather system).
- The effect of the so-called ‘greenhouse effect’ whereby a buildup of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere traps the sun’s infrared rays, causing the earth to heat up dramatically.
25 ways to STOP or PREVENT Global Warming
As the definition above shows, excess CO2 in the atmosphere is one of the leading causes of global warming. But how can we reduce our CO2 emissions and thus stop the earth from warming up further? Below, you will find a list of 25 ways to stop or prevent global warming. Some of them may surprise you!
1. Swap your light bulbs for energy efficient ones.
The simple act of changing all of the light bulbs in your house to carbon saving energy efficient bulbs can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Drive less.
Travel less by car and plane - this releases fewer greenhouse gases. Car exhaust fumes are contributing to the greenhouse effect, which is the name for the phenomenon caused by CO, CO2 and sulfides creating a thick layer in the atmosphere that traps the sun’s rays and warms the earth (like a giant ‘greenhouse’). Thus, cars are one of the main causes of CO2 in the atmosphere. So, why not take the bus or the train to work, or carpool with your friends?
3. Write to corporations asking them to reduce their omissions.
Post on social media, write a letter, or attend a protest: let corporations with a high carbon footprint know that you are opposed to their environmentally careless ways.
4. Plant more trees.
Trees are great for sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere and releasing oxygen in its place. You could plant a few trees in your garden for your grandchildren to enjoy, or take part in a larger community reforestation project.
5. Recycle more.
Recycle and reuse used items wherever possible rather than buying new things. There are plenty of ways to recycle. Use your food scraps as compost or chicken food. Carefully sort your cardboards, plastics and cans for the recycling truck to collect. Mend old clothes rather than throwing them away. There are plenty of ways to recycle.
6. Choose solar energy.
Solar energy is green and does not contribute to global warming! When we choose solar energy, we choose to burn fewer fossil fuels.
7. Go Vegan.
The meat industry is a leading cause of CO2 omissions, so why not switch to a vegetarian or vegan diet?
8. Save water.
Install a smart device in your toilet to save water when you flush, only boil as much water as you need to for that cup of tea, and switch the faucet off whilst you are brushing your teeth. There are so many ways to conserve water!
9. Buy fewer new products.
Factories churn out CO2 in astonishing amounts, so try and cut out some of those factory produced products from your shopping list.
10. Watch out for extra packaging.
Avoid purchasing items with unnecessary extra packaging: extra packaging increases a product’s carbon footprint.
11. Throw away less trash.
Use durable boxes instead of disposable wrappers for your lunch. Use reusable cloths instead of disposable paper towels for cleaning the kitchen. You get the picture!
12. Insulate your home.
Insulate your home properly, don’t leave the heating on when you are away and opt for eco friendly halogen heaters rather than gas boilers or other fossil fuel based heating sources. Heat seeps out through crevices, poorly insulated roofs and poorly glazed windows. Save energy by having your home thoroughly insulated.
13. Raise awareness.
Join a campaign, recruit others, and help to spread the message of climate change awareness.
14. Educate yourself.
Attend talks and webinars on climate change and read books and articles on the subject.
15. Print out fewer documents.
Save paper (and thus trees and energy) by reading documents online or on your kindle instead of printing them.
16. Put your heating on a timer.
Why should your house be heating up when you are out at work?
17. Eat local.
Buy from local farmers’ markets or grow your own veg. Food flown across the globe to your supermarket causes a whole lot of CO2 to be emitted from those airplane engines!
18. Choose green fuel.
Ditch that leaded fuel for something better for the environment.
19. Use a clothesline.
Let the sun dry your clothing instead of guzzling energy with an electric clothes drier.
20. Shop wisely.
Only shop from climate friendly companies that are either low carbon or carbon neutral.
21. Choose renewable fuel.
We should choose renewable and sustainable energy sources. Fill that coal burner with biofuels!
22. Keep your car well maintained.
The better maintained your car’s engine is, the less likely it is to use fuel inefficiently and to excess.
23. Look for the energy star on your appliances.
This shows that they are approved as being energy efficient.
24. Buy eco-friendly house cleaning products.
There are plenty of brands you can choose from!
25. Opt for environmentally friendly cosmetics.
Vegan, local, low carbon footprint cosmetics are the way to go!
Conclusion.
There are so many small things you can do to help to stop climate change: they all add up!