Things You Can Do to Reduce Global Warming

Most of the emissions that cause global warming come from fuels used to produce energy-gasoline, diesel, coal and natural gas. Here are the best things you can do to reduce climate pollution:

Drive less. Walk, bike, take a bus, carpool and combine errands. Do whatever it takes to reduce your time behind the wheel.

Drive smart. Keep your car tuned and tires properly inflated. Keeping them properly inflated can save up to 250 lbs of CO2 per year. Don't idle when you're stuck in a line. About 15 seconds is the break even point. Forget the jack rabbit starts. And on the freeway, keep your top speed at about 60 mph.

Be fuel efficient. Not only will you save gas and money and reduce emissions, but driving a fuel-efficient car that gets at least 32 miles per gallon leads to a real reduction in climate pollution.

Change your air filter. Another easy way to increase your car's fuel efficiency is keeping a clean air filter (and it's much cheaper than a Prius). On average, this will save 800 lbs. of CO2 a year.

Reduce, reuse and recycle. It's not just about paper vs. plastic. Nearly every product on the market requires energy to produce, distribute and manage the resulting waste. Choose pre-owned products, products that have recycled content and products that are sold with less packaging. It takes 70%-90% less energy to make recycled paper products than new ones. 


Conserve hot water. Set your tank at about 120°F, take shorter showers, use water-efficient washing machines and wash clothes in cold water. You'll save energy, water and money.

Insulate your water heater. A hot water tank is the second largest user of energy in a home. Wrapping an insulation blanket around your hot water heater can help your electric bills, and save around 1000 lbs. of CO2.

Be a star, buy ENERGY STAR. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, an EPA rating system awarded to only the most energy-efficient appliances, computers, light fixtures and many other electrical conveniences. If every US household switched to the most energy efficient appliances, there would be 178 million tons less of CO2 put into the atmosphere each year.

Turn down, turn off and unplug. Set thermostats at 68°F when you're home and 55°F or lower when you're away or at night. By moving your heater down two degrees in the winter, and up two degrees in the summer, you can keep around 2000lbs of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Turn off lights in empty rooms and use compact fluorescent bulbs in place of standard light bulbs. Unplug electronics such as DVD players and cell phone chargers that aren't in use. Bring back the old clothes line to dry your wash.

Buy local products. The less distance products travel, the less they pollute. And buy organic when you can. Most chemical fertilizers are derived from petroleum or natural gas.

Plant a tree. A single tree will absorb up to 2000lbs. of CO2 in its lifetime. And shading your air conditioning unit with trees and shrubs can reduce its energy usage by 10-15%.

Befriend your utility. Your local utility companies have great energy conservation programs and can provide more information, technical assistance and even some rebates.

Use a push or electric mower. Gasoline mowers are one of biggest polluters in the neighborhood. Go manual or electric this season.

Shout it out! You can make a difference. Start by taking the steps above and then let others know of your commitment. Tell people where you shop and where you work that climate protection matters.

**Source: USMayors.org