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Our main concern at the moment friends is not those ever increasing gas fuel costs but the virtually irreversible changes in the environment due to our carbon footprint being left on this planet which is causing global warming. We may be different in many respects but when the effects start to be felt, we will all come under attack from a new enemy. A large number of cases of life threatening conditions such as skin cancer, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases into the millions will be the result of 40 years of global warming.
Our own personal carbon footprint contribution needs to be our main priority in life from now on and not only for the negative aspects but also positive ones, as there is so much that we too can do to help the environment. A great example to get you started would be to just plant a tree as this would help to offset about 720 kg of carbon during it's lifespan, where as taking a plane from New York to Washington would put almost 800 kg of carbon back into the environment.
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The average American creates about 22 tons of CO2 each year, which is quite an achievement if you compare it to the rest of the world, who still produce about 6 tons per person, which is still way too much.I am not saying that you have to go around on a push bike, but there really are things you can do to reduce your own personal carbon footprint: -
Tip #1: Go local. Virtually everything we buy has a "carbon cost" connected to is based on things like transportation distance and the amount of energy that goes into manufacturing. Try to buy locally made products and produce. According to a 2001 U.S. Department of Agriculture study, most fruits and vegetables are shipped 1500 miles or more from farm to kitchen, which is incredible wasteful, and more than a little ironic if you are trying to do the right thing by buying organic .
Tip #2: Dress appropriately. Adjusting the thermostat down 2 degrees down when it's cold and 2 degrees up when it's warm will help the average family eliminate 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, not to mention save a bunch of money. Wear a sweater or take off your shirt if you are uncomfortable. Remember, it's the planet we are talking about here.
Tip #3: Old stuff out: Here we are looking at energy savings and did you know that changing 3 traditional Edison light bulbs for new low energy-efficient CFLs would result in energy savings amounting to $60 per year. The most important benefit though would be that collectively the whole planet could save a trillion pounds of CO2 from being let out into our crippling environment. Energy Star rated PCs and other electrical appliances will also help you make further energy savings and always remember to turn the lights off as you leave a room.
Tip #4: Keep it clean. A poorly maintained car can add to global warming 500% more than a normal vehicle, and it costs money too. Keep air and fuel filters clean, replace fouled spark plugs and injectors, and get regular tune ups. And shop locally when you do drive, not at a discount store 50 miles away.
Tip #5: Improve gas mileage. Definitely consider driving a hybrid car or installing an alternative energy booster. I would definitely recommend a water fuel car converter being installed into your existing car. This is a fine way to reduce your carbon footprint by half and you will see a 40% reduction in gas mileage. Let's rally together folks and really do something that will help instead of just sitting on our backsides and expecting everybody else to get their hands dirty. There are more people to consider that will be around in 40 years time, cause if we don't act now they can be assured destruction.
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