Reducing the amount of energy we use in our home, in our workplace and in our cars can have a significant affect on emissions. Not only that, it can save you money too. If everyone makes an effort in their lives, it can make a huge difference on a global scale. Here is some advice on how you can cut down on your energy usage.
In the home
* Switch to energy-saving light bulbs. They cost slightly more, but save up to ten times their price over their lifetime. * When you are boiling water, or heating anything, only boil the amount you need. You do not need a kettle full of boiling water for one cup of tea. * Switch off appliances when you are not using them to save money and energy. TVs, videos, stereos and computers left on standby can use use a lot of energy. * Recycle everything that you can. We throw away our own weight in rubbish every month, but bottles, cans, paper, card, plastic and aluminium can all be reused or recycled which saves energy. For example, it takes the same amount of energy to make 20 cans from recycled material as it takes to make one can from scratch. Recycling will also save you money on refuse charges. * If you live in a sunny area you could potentially meet all your energy means using solar panels. * Turning down your thermostat by just three degrees will save you 10 per cent in energy costs. Also, make sure that your home is well insulated so that it keeps the heat in. * When washing clothes and dishes make sure the appliances are full. Also, try using lukewarm water. * Keep the lid on pots and pans when you are cooking.
In the office
* Where at all possible, store all documents in digital format on your computer or another storage device. If you must print something, use both sides of the page. * There is no need to fly half way around the world for a meeting. Online audio and video conferencing has effectively cut out the need for face to face meetings and conferences. The amount of energy that can potentially be saved here is huge. * Turn your computer off completely or at least put it to sleep when you are not using it. Computers still use a lot of energy when they are on screensaver mode.
In the car
* For shorter journeys, leave the car at home and use a bike instead. Bikes are a healthy, quick and enjoyable way to get around, and a great way to avoid congestion if you live in a big city. * Experiment with car pooling to get to and from work. It will save you money and could get you to work faster. * Join the hybrid revolution. Do you really need that gas guzzling SUV? Buy a hybrid and use a fraction of the energy for your journeys. * Public transport is far more energy efficient than driving. Also, remember that air travel is a major polluter so use ground transport wherever possible.
In the shops
* Do not accept plastic bags from shops. Always bring your own reusable bags. * Try to buy organic food that is grown locally. Organic food is farmed less intensively and usually requires less energy to produce. In addition, the fact that it is grown locally means a reduction in transport costs. * Try to eat less meat. Livestock are a major source of greenhouse gases.
Water
While water isn't strictly energy, it is a finite resource that we need to preserve and take care of. Here are some tips on how to cut down on your water usage:
* Always use the shower instead of the bath. * Never leave the tap running while brushing your teeth. * Only use the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load. * Try to install a system to use your waste water run-off to keep your garden watered. This will also encourage you to use non-harmful soaps and washing powders. * Water your garden early in the morning or just before sunset. This allows the water to be absorbed into the ground instead of evaporating in the hot sun if you water during the day. * Water butts or large water containers are a good idea for the garden. Situate them under the edges of your roof so they receive run-off when it rains.
These are just a few of the simple, yet effective, ways that you can help cut down on energy usage and reduce your carbon footprint. Even if we all follow just a few of these steps it will make a big difference and save us money as well.
The international air freight companies all over the world contributed about 7% to the total carbon emissions measured in 2006, which has put pressure on them to do something about the problem. It is high time that every air cargo freight shipping company and cargo airline commits to working for and not against the environment.
The international air freight companies are in the middle of the environmental protection controversies; they have agreed and have announced that they will enter into an agreement to contribute compulsorily for projects that protect the environment all over the world.
The amount that is earmarked for this purpose has not been fixed, though the agreement stipulates that it should be proportionate to the number of freight services that each cargo airline offers. Europe organized and spearheaded its efforts through the Kyoto Protocol Agreement, which states that the participating countries are committed to bringing down the carbon emission by 2012. USA was conspicuous by its absence at this momentous event.
It is encouraging to learn that the international air freight companies, which form a good part of the global mega companies, are at last taking environmental things seriously. However, is this enough?
Many feel that it would be much better if each of these major and minor cargo airlines committed themselves to control the level of pollution they emit and set strict rules against pollution. This would have a rippling effect in checking the carbon emissions since the demand for air cargo services is on the rise.
Today, what is required from the international air freight companies is not a handout for green projects, but a direct, full hearted and committed approach to see that there is no further damage to the already ailing environment. While the agreement to keep aside a percentage of the overall profits for environmental protection projects is definitely a step in the right direction, much more is expected from the air cargo companies all over the world.
As the use and need for cargo airlines is on the rise, unless there is a concerted effort to bring about changes inside and outside the operational areas, there is very little hope for our planet. Pacts, such as the Kyoto Protocol Agreement, are a wonderful way to show how much these mammoth companies care and are doing towards the "greener earth" objective.
Both Susan Banks Sr & Mike Selvon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Susan Banks Sr has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vegetarian Diet, Modelling and Home Security. Susan is a regular contributing editor to Fuzing.com. This viewpoint is proudly brought to you in conjunction with from the. Susan Banks Sr's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.
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