Global Warming - Little things mean a lot

[Gordon Dillworth]

Global warming is a concept that many of us are familiar with, whether from browsing the internet, watching TV, reading the papers or talking to family and friends. There's been a massive amount of publicity about the subject over the last few years and much debate still surrounds the subject. So, should you as an individual be concerned? Is your future and that of your family really in grave danger if the predictions are true?

There is a school of thought that argues that global warming is the perfect example of a self fulfilling prophecy – if we pay attention now we may just save ourselves and the planet from the worst. However, if we don’t address the issues then we are only lining up more problems for ourselves in the future. Although big businesses often work with an energy consultancy firm specially set up to advise companies on cutting carbon emissions, fighting against global warming on an individual level doesn’t have to take a great deal of money or effort. There is a great deal of emphasis placed on the importance of energy efficient systems but there are many little ways to help.

To do your bit to prevent global warming, looking at how your home is run is a perfect start. For example, many households leave their TV and DVD players on standby when they could easily be turned off? Computers, mobile phone chargers and radios (especially DAB radios) could also be turned off at the wall when not in use. Of course, this is also an excellent way to save money on your energy bills. Lowering the amount of electricity you use is also very simple, as it involves just turning off lights or any other electrical appliance when you don’t need them or you have left the room. Another way you can help is by making sure that your heating thermostat is not turned up too high. This little step – just turning down the heating by a degree or two - will have a positive impact on the emissions coming from your home.
Also, changing from old standard light bulbs to new energy efficient ones can also help especially if you can use the more energy efficient ones where possible. Many traditional light bulbs need to be replaced a couple of times a year, but energy efficient ones last for at least two years without needing to be replaced. The cost of energy efficient lightbulbs are higher but savings will soon be made as they do not need to be replaced so often. If you rent your home, ask your landlord to fix any drafty windows or doors and discuss the possibility of upgrading any old heating or electrical appliances.

As for transport, investing in a new hybrid or energy efficient car isn’t necessary in order to change the way you get from A to B. You could try walking for short journeys, sharing a car for longer journeys and of course their is always public transport. Did you know that just be cutting out three car journeys a week you could be helping in the fight against global warming?