How you can halt Global Warming
There are ways we can at least slow the onset of global warming, and the main principle behind all of them lies in conserving the resources around us. We need to use less energy, less water and less fossil fuels, and reuse as much as we can. Below is a collection of ideas which might start you on your way to helping our environment and, as a consequence, helping ourselves.
1. Compost
The average household throws aways tonnes of food and food waste every year. Why not help the environment by using this waste to create your own compost heap? There are two benefits to this. One: Our overflowing landfill sites are helped by the reduction in waste being dumped. Two: Your garden will benefit from an environmentally friendly method of fertilisation.
2. Ditch the Stand-by
The stand-by setting on your electronic devices, such as your TV and your DVD player, only around half the energy used when the device is switched on. This means that if you leave your TV and other devices on stand-by overnight then they are wasting a huge amount of energy. Ensure that you fully switch of any electronic items in your home when you're not using them.
3. Insulate your home
Millions of kilowatts of energy is lost to the atmosphere every year due to poorly insulated houses. Heat escapes through windows (even when they are closed), walls and the roof so insulating one or all of these elements can save both a huge amount of energy, and a huge amount of money for yourself in the form of heating bills. Install double-glazing in your windows and you can save a large percentage, then install cavity wall insulation along with loft lining to finish the job.
4. Watch out for water leaks
A dripping tap may seem like a small thing but letting it drip can waste gallons of water every month. This not only uses up our sometimes limited freshwater resources but can also cost you a lot of money. Fix that drip and help both your pocket and the environment.
5. Spare the tumble drier
The humble tumble drier is one of the most energy intensive appliances in your home. Keeping the drier on for half an hour uses a huge amount of electricity, costing both you and the environment. If you have a garden why not hang your clothes out in the sun instead? This not only dries them very quickly but produces a great, fresh smell!
