Because this weather is freaking me out,

[Critters2]

and making me really worry about global warming, I'm going to more firmly commit to doing what I know I can to make a difference. I'll drive less and walk more (I live near a commercial district and next to my workplace, so I can cut down on driving), turn the thermostat down, recycle more to prevent trees being used for paper, use toilet paper and paper towels made from recycled paper, use ethanol (already do), buy products grown/manufactured close to me to cut down on shipping.

I know one lone soul can't do much, but it's clear that the time has come to look seriously at this issue. So, here's my question--to those who've been thinking about this longer than me--what other suggestions do you have for changes I can make?

Thanks for any suggestions at all.

Critters

[bluerum]

1. I'm on board. nt

[Old and In the Way]

2. Thunderstorms and lightening here up on the 45th parallel...

but there's no global change going on with our weather.....

[NMDemDist2]

3. change your lightbulbs to CFLs

that is a small move that pays big for the planet. Call your local electric company and see if they offer any incentives to switch. in AZ the power company teamed with Costco to offer the CFL bulbs at a great price

[Critters2]

4. Will do! Thanks!! nt

[Robbien]

5. Cut down your consumption of water

Watch out for the waste. Stop all that water running from the facet while brushing teeth or doing dishes.

If you have a lawn, compost your biological waste.

[Critters2]

6. I know I should be composting, and will get started

Hadn't thought about water. I'll make those changes tonight! Thanks!

[Subdivisions]

7. Perhaps you could

consider converting at least some of your fossil fuel-produced electricity to renewable solar power? A very good solar power system is expensive. However, it's no more expensive that what you would pay for a new car, which would then for its entire lifetime produce the foul gases that are at the root of global warming.

You can even start small and expand as you are able.

[Critters2]

8. My house belongs to the church, but I have decided to raise the possiblity

of becoming a green congregation with my council at our next meeting.

[TheWraith]

17. The cost of solar systems doesn't add up.

In general you'd have to run the thing continuously for 15 years or so to just break barely even on its cost. Besides which, most people can't even afford a new car, let alone spending the same amount of money on a luxury like solar.

[flyarm]

18. my uncle just out solar on his house and business..there are huge

federal kickbacks..in total it cost him less than $3,000 ..on a house over 5000 sq ft...

the up front cost him till he got the rebate..now rebate is taken off your income taxes though ..it just changed..

hell my power cost more than $3,000. A YEAR!!

AND.........HE CAN SELL WHAT HE DOESN'T USE TO THE POWER COMPANIES!!

OF COURSE HE WAS TOP DOG IN THE ELECTRICAL UNION FOR 50 YRS..SO HE KNOWS ABOUT ALL THESE DEALS!!

My husband and i are now looking into it!!

do some research..there are some state and federal rebates on doing it!!

a church in our area just did it big time..and they are selling their power to the power companies!

fly

[porphyrian]

9. See the Inconvenient Truth website:

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

There are a lot of suggestions on there.

[Critters2]

10. Thanks! I've seen the movie

That's what convinced me--the combo of that movie and this trippy weather. I'll have a look-see!

[nebenaube]

13. Mike? n/t

[Critters2]

14. 'Scuse me? nt

[Warpy]

11. First, change those light bulbs

Second, look into renewable fuels for at least part of your heat (not that you easterners have needed much). Third, consider replacing old appliances that are energy hogs. Fourth, consider putting your hot water on a timer or at least turning it down to its lowest setting. That's hot enough for household needs. Fifth, learn to knit. Store bought sweaters are for looks, not warmth. Sixth, learn to cook. Processed foods use up energy at every step of the process, making them extremely costly. Plus, you really don't need all that salt. Seventh, forget about owning anything with more than 4 cylinders and figure out how to organize your trips so you're not driving back and forth all day when a simple circle would be the most efficient pattern. Bike if you can. http://www.egovehicles.com if you can't. Eighth, close off rooms when you're heating or air conditioning, only heating or cooling the rooms you are actually occupying. If you're flush, consider upgrading TVs and monitors to LCD screens that use less energy (mine will be upgraded as they die off).

This stuff will certainly get you started.

[Critters2]

15. Good suggestions, all!

I've been trying to do more home-cooking using local foods when possible for some time. Joined a CSA two years ago, and this past summer I started canning the veggies that came all summer. I also have unused rooms closed off, with the radiator valves closed (I have hot water heat) I've done this for years. As for sweaters, I don't knit, but do buy all my clothes at non-profit resale shops. So, my clothes aren't directly contributing to environmental problems. I'll probably replace monitors with LCD when they die off, too.

Again, thanks!

[leftchick]

12. my hair has been on fire about this for months

my forsythias and cherry blossoms are blooming. The daffodils are coming up. :(

But I am with you and ever since I saw gore's An Inconvenient Truth I am trying to do my share. I have changed all of the bulbs in our home to the Fluorescents. I rarely drive unless I have to. My next car will be a hybrid. I have always recycled but now I am calling other people out who do not. I keep the thermostat down as well and put socks on and layer when it gets cooler. I never put chemicals into the lawn or garden. And this year I am going to grow some veggies to become more self sustaining.

Congrats to you for your inspiration! Al Gore would be proud, :)

[Critters2]

16. Thanks. I hope so. nt

[flyarm]

19. It was 74 degrees in NYC today!! i was there and everyone was out in

shorts!!

bazarre!!..

and i live on beach in NJ, and when i got back from the city..i walked the beach... and the beach had lots of people sun bathing today!!

Jan 6th!!!!!!!

this is frightening...but to be honest..everyone i spoke to were thrilled!!

most just don't get it..

fly