Check out AT&T's FREE camera phonesWhen it comes to global warming, it's the little things
It's been said before, but can't be said enough. This is not a technology problem. When it comes to fighting global warming, it's the little things we do that will make the difference.
The average American consumer is responsible for about 9-10 tons of carbon emissions per year.
The big three culprits for us consumers: 1) Car miles driven and car size; 2) Power used; 3) Airline miles flown
Here are my favorite little things:
1) When you have the option, drive the family car with the best gas mileage and drive together--no more three-car families driving to church in three separate cars. And my favorite, which I will harp on until the consumer gets it: when you buy that next car, don't worry about the hybrid or no-hybrid decision, just buy one size smaller than you were planning. It IS all about the size.
2) Look to your AC and heating bill--whether it's electric or gas, this is a biggie. Shorter (or colder) showers, adjusting the thermostat (or off during the day while you're gone), washing half your laundry in cold water, and for the love of grief, close the blinds during the day in the summer, and open them in the winter. We can make a difference.
The general rule of thumb is that if you just pay attention to your power bills, you can make small changes that save 10-20 percent.
And 3) When planning who's going where for Christmas and vacation, we now generally factor in price. Why not compare all the trips on carbon, too? Shorter is better, and the fewer of us who have to travel, the better off the planet is.
So why not do it? It's not just energy bills anymore; now it's all about the carbon.
Neal Dikeman is a founding partner at Jane Capital Partners, advising the technology and venture arms of multinational energy companies in clean technology. He also edits and writes the Cleantech Blog. He is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and is not an employee of CNET.
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Another thing that will make a difference to global warming is less consumption:
Paper: The paper consumption in the US is apalling.
-Take the number of paper napkins you need, and not a fistful, as most people do, throwing away the rest.
-Use a cloth hankerchief, if possible.
Plastic: Energy intensive material, not bio degradeable.
-Use fewer or no plastic bags while grocery shopping.
-Avoid that bottled water if you can. Tap water is pretty good.
This is not meant to be a preachy holier-than-thou statement. Just a suggestion to do small things if you can.
The fork or spoon doling out veggies or rice or any food items can be used by to eat with when the doling out is done.
Instead of having a separate little plate to rest a cooking utensil on near the range, use a plate that will later be used to eat on.