Only toward the middle of the 20th century did the earth started to feel the negative effects of human activity. The earth’s climate has been changing at an alarming rate for the past one hundred years. The negative effects of global warming will destroy human life and prosperity. As a whole, we must alter the way we live our lives in order to combat climate change. Sounds impossible? Well, simply tweaking a few aspects of your daily routine could have a positive effect on the earth’s atmosphere. If everyone joins together to make a change, the whole world could benefit from it. An efficient planter is filled with a base layer of gravel to allow for drainage. The gravel is then topped with soil and native perennial vegetation that grows every spring. After a while, dust particles build up on the air ducts, which then causes the system to work even harder to improve the air quality. Dirty air filters are a huge waste in energy and money. Almost a quarter of all household energy consumption is wasted on appliances in idle power mode. Grouping your devices on one power strip can make it easier for you to turn them off and on at the same time. A quick Google search can provide you with local organizations that specifically work towards battling climate change. Whether you are picking up trash, planting trees, or simply helping spread the word, every action matters. Recycling is an easy way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Yet, sadly, only around 34% of Americans actually participate in this eco-friendly activity. Let’s get with the act, shall we? Next time you leave the water running while brushing your teeth or washing dishes, try to remember how much energy goes into purifying it. Taking shorter showers, installing low-flow toilets, and fixing household leaks are all ways you can reduce your water intake. The good thing is that recently there has been a rise in restoring old furniture. Giving vintage objects a second life is a great way to combat climate change. Rustic furniture is also quite charming and can be a classic centerpiece in any home. However, washing your clothes with cold water is one of the easiest ways to make a positive difference in the environment. Almost 90 percent of the energy used to wash clothes goes towards warming up water. Switching to LED lightbulbs can enormously affect climate change in a positive way. They have the ability to work in extreme temperatures and can save households hundreds of dollars a year on their electricity bill. One of the easiest changes is to simply unplug electronics that aren’t in use. Also, hang your clothes to dry during the warmer months. Install a programmable thermostat that can make a big difference in reducing energy consumption. Grocery stores tend to display only nice-looking produce. As a result, billions of tons of food go to waste every single year. The amount of energy it took to produce and transport that food is likewise wasted. By growing your own food, you will not only reduce food waste, but you will also improve your family’s health. In 2005, DIY Solar Panels started to become a popular item in households. Homeowners started to take advantage of that renewable energy and reap the benefits of solar panels. Not only do they reduce electricity bills, but they are also good for the environment. That is why it’s so critical to shop eco-friendly businesses that care about the environment. If consumers continue to buy from companies who are negatively impacting climate change, things will just keep getting worse. Sadly, the United States hasn’t gotten that far yet. However, as an American consumer, you can take matters into your own hands by shopping with a reusable bag. Investing in a reusable straw is a simple way people can help combat climate change. Researchers have found that reusable straws significantly lower the pollution in our oceans. They are also more economically beneficial than disposable straws. Global warming activists are urging the public to continue to talk about the negative effects greenhouse gasses have on our atmosphere. Public discussions can help transform a culture. Talking about these issues can also educate people and spread insight on local ways to help make a change. Visit your local plant nursery to find out which type of tree would thrive in your yard. Planting a tree also offers a fun activity the whole family can enjoy. Just how cars negatively affect the atmosphere, airplanes do too. Aviation releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. The most effective way to reduce this problem is simply by flying less. If more funding was invested in wind energy, it could make a huge, positive impact on climate change. The goal is for the United States to one day be completely energy-independent. Buying second hand is also more sustainable. In just the United States, over 21 billion pounds of textile waste gets thrown into a landfill every year. Researchers found that the meat and dairy industry is the second biggest contributor to climate change. Slightly changing your diet could have a bigger effect on the atmosphere than you might think. Researchers believe that food waste contributes 3.3 gigatons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. Both retailers and consumers need to start thinking about how they can reduce food waste. Despite how useful they are, however, car pollution is one of the biggest causes of global warming. If getting rid of your car isn’t an option, try cutting back on driving by carpooling with coworkers or riding your bike to nearby locations.
