On October 15, 2009 bloggers from around the world focused on one central theme; global climate change. Blog Action Day is an annual event. Bloggers who participated last year were asked to vote on the 2009 focus. Global climate change was a landslide winner.
The effects of global climate change are felt by everyone and by every living thing. Some areas of the world (such as Alaska) do not receive as much snowfall as they used to. Other parts of the globe receive less rain. This leads to drought, dry wells and famine because crops can’t grow without water.
Every living thing on earth is interconnected. Working together to slow global climate change is just as important for the people on one side of the world as it is for the people on the other side. There is just too much at state. We cannot turn a blind eye. A bumper stick that I recently saw put it well. Let me paraphrase it. “Don’t worry about the environment. If we ignore it, it will go away.”
So what can we do to slow global climate change? Here are a few ideas.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #1
The Nature Conservancy suggests using a bicycle or walking instead of using the car. This cuts down on the amount of fossil fuels used. The environment is protected from harmful emissions by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #2
Try your local farmer’s market to purchase items that are produced or raised locally. This cuts down on transportation emissions. It also saves on driving far distances to purchase food.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #3
Recycle furniture and clothing and buy secondhand whenever possible. This saves the energy and electrical usage that goes into producing the items. Often, items in like-new condition or nearly new condition can be found in thrift shops, consignment stores or resale shops.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #4
Use your bicycle to generate electricity. This article shows you how to do just that. The energy that is created can either be used or stored. It is clean and environmentally friendly.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #5
Telecommute and reduce extra trips when possible. This saves on travel emissions. Telecommuting can also slow global climate change by reducing the energy needs of cooling or heating an office and powering extra equipment.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #6
Adjust the thermostat. Use a lower setting in the winter and a higher setting in the summer. Much of our electricity in the US is powered by fossil fuels. Getting to these fuels can be destructive to mountains and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Additional emissions are released into the air through the transportation of the fossil fuels from the mining site to the processing location.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #7
Separate your trash. Recycle whatever items you can. Not only will you be reducing waste but you may have fewer trips to the curb on trash day. Some places will purchase your used metals, broken appliances, aluminum cans and hot water heaters. This may also put a few dollars into your pocket. Be sure to combine the trips to the recycle center to save on transportation pollution.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #8
Items that are turned off but still plugged in continue to use electricity. Unplug all appliances when not in use. The same goes for radios, television sets and any other electrical convenience.
Slow Global Climate Change Idea #9
Buy recycled items when possible. Common items include paper goods such as copy or printer paper, toilet paper, cardboard boxes, paper plates and other disposable items.
Slow Global Climate Change #10
Share this article with your friends. It will help them learn that slowing global climate change isn’t as hard as you might think. If we all pull together to do these small steps we can help slow global climate change.
