Lifestyle It’s Easy To Be Green! Take Action Against Climate Change and Help the Planet The average pattern of weather, called climate, stays pretty much the same for centuries if it is left to itself. However, the earth is not being left alone. People are taking actions that can change the earth and its climate in significant ways. Climate change is a very important, topical issue. It can seem overwhelming, but it is possible for each of us to help the planet and have a positive effect in our own homes by making simple changes in the way we eat, play and get around. In this issue of The Edge we highlight what is causing climate change and offer some easy tips for cutting down your family’s energy consumption and helping you to improve energy efficiency. Carbon dioxide is the main culprit The single human activity that is most likely to have a large impact on the climate is the burning of "fossil fuels" such as coal, oil and gas. These fuels contain carbon. Burning them makes carbon dioxide gas. Since the early 1800s, when people began burning large amounts of coal and oil, the amount of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere has increased by nearly 30%, and average global temperatures appear to have risen between 1° and 2°F. Carbon dioxide gas traps solar heat in the atmosphere, partly in the same way as glass traps solar heat in a sunroom or a greenhouse. For this reason, carbon dioxide is sometimes called a "greenhouse gas". As more carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere, solar heat has more trouble getting out. The result is that, if everything else stayed unchanged, the average temperature of the atmosphere would increase. As people burn more fossil fuels for energy they add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. If this goes on long enough, the average temperature of the atmosphere will almost certainly rise. If global warming occurs, not every day or every place will be warmer. But on average, most places will be warmer. This will cause changes in the amount and pattern of rain and snow, in the length of growing seasons, in the frequency and severity of storms, and in sea level. Farms, forests, plants and animals in the natural environment will all be affected. Tips on switching to a greener lifestyle So what can we each do to make a difference to our planet? It’s simple. Try switching to a greener lifestyle using these energy-saving tips. Try it even if for a week. Then stick with it if you can, because every little bit helps. Recycle    • Remember to recycle all cans and glass. Not only does recycling contribute to lessening the negative impact of landfill waste (such as greenhouse gases), but it can also put money back in your pocket if you participate in local programmes that buy recycled goods. Conserve Water    • Reduce shower and bathing times    • Minimise wasteful water practices by operating appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers when loads are full    • Install, low-flow showerheads    • Take more showers instead of baths Conserve Power    • Switch off electronics and appliances when not in use. Electronics account for a high percentage of a household’s energy use and many people simply forget to power equipment off.    • Use cold water to wash dishes and clothing as often as possible to reduce energy usage for heating water.    • Replace outdated incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) that use up to 75% less energy and are guaranteed to last longer.    • In winter, lowering your heating items that contain a thermostat by 2 degrees can cut your electricity bill by 10%.    • Replace a porch light that’s always on with a compact fluorescent bulb    • Air-dry clothes unless it is necessary to use a dryer    • Turn out the light when you leave a room. Switch to renewable energy    • Investigate switching to renewable energy. The growing availability of wind, water, solar and other green energy sources means you can enjoy pollution-free power in your home at affordable prices. Maximise natural cooling and lighting    • Open windows whenever possible to reduce strain of running air conditioners for extended periods.    • Shades or curtains provide natural relief from the sun, and using ceiling fans to circulate air can effectively replace air conditioning on cooler days    • Install or pre-set air conditioner thermostats to conserve energy. Put the Brakes on    • Vehicles consume half of the world’s oil and spew a quarter of the world’s greenhouse-gas emissions. Leaving your car at home even one day a week can save a lot of petrol and emissions over a year.    • Be sure when you do drive that your tyres are properly inflated as underinflated tyres can cut your petrol consumption by 5%.    • Take one less short domestic round-trip flight this year. Lifestyle - Make a Green Plan    • Replace 500 sheets of 0% recycled paper with 100% recycled paper    • Keep a reusable water bottle with you instead of using disposables    • Use your own canvas shopping bags instead of plastic bags