Global Warming...what are we doing?

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1. Posted by Terbert (Respected Member 322 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

This may not be a question for all...but at least for some:

Providing global warming is really in effect (at least I think it is) - what do you do to help reverse it (even though I think "reverse" is a bit of a strong word at this point)? What do other people do in other countries? Or what did you see them do?

Juuuuust wondering. Got into a discussion with my coworker just now, and it makes me wonder. Especially since we work in a post house, in a specific room that sucks up a lot of energy...

We recycle cans, bottles, papers, the usual. Turn the lights on when needed (you know..when it's dark?), don't use things like hair dryers so much, use alarm clocks with batteries (though I wonder if that helps at all, sometimes), turn off laptops etc when not used, don't overdo the sprinklers on the side, charge the cell phone when it's down to two or one bar (not every night), at work power down as much as allowed for weekends (unfortunately, a lot of stuff still stays on)...it's not a lot, even though it's something..but there's still a lot that can be done that isn't.

So..anyone?

Kat

2. Posted by Sander (Moderator 6083 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

I just moved into a house of my own, and was thus 'lucky' enough to be needing all new appliances. Bought only A/A+ (where existing) energy efficient ones (that was the prime criterium for selecting them; all other features came second). All the lightbulbs in the house are energy saving ones, and beyond that I pay about 10% above the regular price of electricity to have 'nature energy' (in the Netherlands we have 'green energy', which costs the same as regular (subsidized), but still puts CO2 into the atmosphere; 'nature energy' in contrast is 100% wind/water/solar). I take public transport everywhere (with exceptions, such as when I need to transport a heavy load), and am seriously considering buying certificates for offsetting my CO2 production when flying.
And of course recycling, turning off lights when not needed, turning off the computer at night, all the little stuff like that.

3. Posted by Mel. (Travel Guru 4567 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

I have never owned a car. I walk everywhere or take public transport.
I recycle almost all garbage.
If I have a bath, I dont pull the plug afterwards. I leave the water in there, to pour in the toilet, rather than flush it.
I keep the heating to a limit in Winter. In fact, I almost never switch it on at all. The laundry room is just under our appartment so that keeps us warmer than others.
I never use air conditioning.
I turn off lights, if we do not need them.
I think, that is all.

Mel

4. Posted by mohit_sa (Full Member 59 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

I

- only use CFLs, rathen than incandescent bulbs for lighting.
- turn off lights, airconditioning and other appliances when not in use.
- try not to use heating and airconditioning a lot.

5. Posted by kombizz (Full Member 1416 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

I guess we people could do so much.
Then it is up to the central governments and politicians to do their turn.

6. Posted by Peter (Admin 7285 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

Yes, governments need to do something, but I strongly believe in the power of individuals to bring about change in the world. Each person's individual contribution is not going to mean much - but millions of people each contributing has a big affect. If nothing else, it sends a very clear message to governments that we care about this. A lot!

And so, I

- only use CFLs
- recycle obsessively
- take my own bags to the supermarket
- ride my bike to work and pretty much anywhere that is within riding distance
- as of late last year drive a hybrid electric car when driving is necessary
- buy green electricity (it includes hydro, which is not ideal, but it is at least 20% "new" renewables)
- try to eat less meat
- try to get locally grown and organic vegetables

Flights are the largest contribution to pollution left in my life and so I get offsets once a year to sort of deal with that.

7. Posted by magykal1 (Travel Guru 2026 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

Everything wot Peter said.

Plus my two most recent trips were by train.

[ Edit: Edited on Aug 3, 2007, at 11:11 PM by magykal1 ]

8. Posted by james (Travel Guru 4139 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

I cut trees down and burn them.

[ Edit: Edited on Aug 4, 2007, at 1:55 AM by james ]

9. Posted by tway (Travel Guru 7273 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

My two bits:

- I've never owned a car

- recycle whatever I can

- bought a condo with superior insulation, which means it loses a lot less heat in the winter

- bring my own bags when I go shopping - although I do forget to pack them sometimes, and either carry 1 bulging bag home or stuff things in my purse (there's actually a Canadian Yoga clothes store that either gives you a recyclable tote bag with your purchase, or else they take 10% off your purchase if you bring your own bag)

- buy enviro-friendly cleaners, dishwasher liquid, laundry detergent, etc.

- never buy red meat for home (although I do like to go out for steak now and then)

- wait till the dishwasher is full (which is about once every 3 weeks!) to put it on

- try to buy bio food when I can (which is sometimes a challenge because of point #1)

It still feels like I can do more, though. I'm not obsessive, just try to be careful.

10. Posted by Utrecht (Moderator 5778 posts) 17y Star this if you like it!

- I will keep the meat in the fridge until it is green and than eat it.
- I only eat or drink stuff which is produced in Utrecht, so transport is cut to a minimum. Therefore, I am as skinny as Michael Rasmussen right now.
- I drive a diesel car, which costed less regarding new production technologies compared to hybrid cars. Also the exhaust of a diesel car has less very very small parts (called fine dust..or PM10 in technical terms) which is better for health compared to newer regular gas cars.
- I only smoke light cigarettes
- I sleep long so I don't have any chance to damage the environment

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