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    Global climate change

    Greenhouse Emissions: What can You Do?

    7/28/2014, 11:37:58 AM

    What are some of the steps that you can personally take to reduce your greenhouse gas contribution?

    The EPA image below shows percentage of human emissions by source. Residential and commercial buildings make up 8 percent of the total while transport is 13 percent.


    590x590_07281857_globalghgemissionsbysource


    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an excellent site that offers information on how to reduce your carbon footprint.

    Below are just a sampling of some steps that you can personally do to reduce your impact...

    1. When buying new products for your home, such as appliances, make sure you look for the EPA's Energy Star label below.

    120x90_07281911_19686711_sa


    2. For heating and cooling your house it is best to replace aging equipment for much more energy efficient systems that will also lower your energy bill. Keep air filters clean. Program your thermostat and make sure your house is properly insulated.

    3. Change out your most used light bulbs for CFL or LED lighting which can use up to 75 percent less energy than the old style bulbs.


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    4. Recycle, compost and use less water if you are able.

    5. Purchase a fuel-efficient, low greenhouse gas vehicle if you can afford it. You will also save on the amount of gas that you have to purchase.

    6. Be easy on the brakes and accelerator when driving.

    7. Reduce weight in the trunk.

    8. Utilize the cruise control on longer trips but don't use it on a wet road.

    9. Keep up with regular maintenance for your car.

    10. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You can do this yourself. The proper inflation is on the inside of the driver door.

    11. Give public transportation a try. If not, invite your friends and carpool to work or better yet, if you are close to work try biking or walking.

    These things may seem very small in the big picture, but they can add up.

    The EPA also has the Household Carbon Footprint Calculator, which allows you to calculate you or your family's carbon footprint and then show you how some of these actions lower your footprint.

    It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete the calculator if you wish to try it.

    The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

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    Global climate change

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    ABOUT THIS BLOG

    Brett Anderson

    Global climate change

    In the AccuWeather climate change blog, you will find links to the latest research and commentary by experts with various points of view.