5 Simple But Powerful Ways to Fight Global Warming at Home

Posted on Jun 4, 2021 in Sustainable Living & Sustainable Lifestyle by Matthew Speer 0 Comments

Global warming is real, but combating it can seem overwhelming. For those who want to join the good fight, these tips provide a way to fight global warming at home

The human contribution to global warming is no longer a debate among serious scientists. But while most people take the situation seriously, an ordinary person might feel overwhelmed and unable to fight global warming at home. It seems more like a job for governments.

That’s true, up to a point. Only governments can regulate industries in a way that lowers carbon emissions, for example, or require production of more electric cars. But “regular people” have to want those cars to make the switch viable. In the long run, people need to change their habits in order to make ending global warming a reality.

One way to start is to try these actions that can help you fight global warming at home. Most involve conserving energy so that fewer fossil fuels burn to power your life.Commit to Weatherization

So many HVAC units run for thousands of extra hours every year because the home is not properly weatherized and insulated. Seal cracks around windows. Find and seal openings in the attic. Air conditioning and heating is half the cost of electricity in most homes. Weatherizing can cut down significantly on what you spend.

Buy Energy Efficient Appliances

Buying energy efficient appliances lowers your electricity use and also lowers what you have to pay each month for power. You can find energy efficient versions for almost every appliance in the house, including dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, and refrigerators. You also can save energy with efficient water heaters, ceiling fans and air purifiers.

Reduce Water Use

This is especially a big deal in parts of the country where the water supply is endangered. According to National Geographic, as many as 96 out of 204 water basins are in trouble across the country. They write that in 50 years, “Water shortages would impact most of the U.S., including the central and southern Great Plains, the Southwest, and central Rocky Mountain states, as well as parts of California, the South, and the Midwest.” Every household using less water can help control demand on these fragile systems.

Buy Less Food

The United States produces about 219 pounds of food waste each year, per person. It added up to 30% to 40% of the total food supply, according to numbers from the federal government. It also accounts for a huge waste of energy. About 10% of all energy used each year in the United States goes toward food production, including agriculture, transportation and processing of food. You can do your part to reduce this tremendous waste by only buying what you actually eat.

Buy Electric Cars

The combustible gasoline engine was a fantastic invention that revolutionized the world economy. But electric cars are simply better for the environment. Everyone knows this, which is why companies from BMW and Mercedes to Volkswagen and Toyota are producing electric cars. A recent study found even though fossil fuels must be burned to provide electricity for these cars, they are far greener than regular gasoline engines. In Sweden and Frances, emissions were 70% lower.

While eventually a major reduction in time spent on the road will be needed to dramatically reduce fossil fuel consumption, having an electric car – or, at least, a hybrid – can create an impact.

None of these ideas are new. But ask yourself this: how many have you actually put into place? It’s a question that is going to become more urgent in the coming years. When it comes to how to fight global warming at home, it’s better to be a leader than a follow