Environmental Issues: Ways to Save Planetary Energy and Cut Costs - Part 2

This article will outline the many ways in which we can contribute in making our planetary home a much more efficient place to live in. One significant policy to keep in mind: If you don't need it, don't use it.

In the first article: Global Warming and Environmental Issues - Part 1 , the impact of global warming and the effects of environmental problems were reviewed.

Listed below are ways to help out. Many of these ways are commonly known. However, there are a few listed that might surprise many. Starting at home, should always be the first place to start.

Cut down on electricity usage - Understand your habits

- If you know you're going to be walking into one room to another within moments, instead of turning the light off when entering into another room, leave it on. Turning it off and re-opening the same light within the minute will use up more electricity, as it takes surplus electricity to power-up the :"electrical juice box".

- Everyone should know this one: Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents. They're more energy efficient and last much longer.

- Despite the common belief that conventional stoves take more electricity than microwaves, this is a myth to a certain extent. If you're going to use the oven to cook the same food in a microwave for less than 2 minutes, then use the micro. However, the top stove elements are way more economical than a microwave, plus being able to turn off the heat under the pot or pan and allowing the extra remaining heat in your element to finish cooking your food will save you plenty.

- Then there's the almighty thermostat. The power lies in our finger-tips by simply reducing a couple of degrees less, which will make a noticeable change in the electricity consumption as well as the bill.

- Get rid of the electrical blankets. For the same price, you can purchase a thick cozy comforter to keep warm under, plus feel more safe.

- Shopping for new appliances? Use energy efficient models. For example, an old refrigerator can use up to 400 watts, but if you take the time to look for EPA/Department of Energy's new Energy Star label, you can cut your electrical appliance consumption to 80 watts. Big difference.

- For the super enthusiasts who really want to make a statement, get off the electrical grid completely by using "Solar Panels", which harness the sun's rays converting the energy to electrical power. Once installed, you control your own consumption - naturally. Only maintenance is required, with no more yearly or monthly bills to pay.

Other home tips

- If you're not using any rooms in your home, keep their doors shut. This will save you on heating costs.

- Place a one-quart plastic bottle with water inside your "toilet tank". You will not only save one quart of water per flush, but thousands of gallons a year.

- Here's a neat trick. If you want to know if you have any "water leaks" in your home, turn off all water in your home and then go read your water meter. Wait one hour and then go read your water meter again. If the meter shows a difference, you have a leak.

- When brushing your teeth, fill a cup with water and use this to rinse, instead of leaving the water running.

- Place insulation covers around your hot water tanks.

- Use a water filtering system instead of buying bottled water.

- Instead of using plastic wrap and tons of plastic bags, use "Tupperware" reusable food containers.

- Use "re-cycled paper".

Overall, there are many other ways in which one can become more "environmentally-conscious":

- Get involved with community re-cycling projects;

- Observe "Earth day", and plant trees where needed;

- Take public transits whenever possible and promote community car-pooling;

- and last but not least, spread the word around as to how vital it is to become active in producing a more healthy and cleaner environment.

Whichever way one chooses, all efforts count. Together, we can provide our fragile planetary home a better place to live in and put an end to the "pollution drama".