Steps You Can Take to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Save Money and Save the Planet
1. Drink tap water instead of bottled water. In most of the developed world the tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Bottled drinks come with a high energy bill - both for the bottling and the transport. Then there is the environmental impact of that empty glass or plastic bottle. Do the right thing and give up on bottled water.
2. Adjust the thermostat. Turn the themostat down a little in winter and wear a sweater in the house. Similarly if you use air conditioning in the summer have the temperature set a little higher. A small change in the thermostat setting can make a big difference in energy consumed and therefore to your electricity and gas bills.
3. Complain in shops that leave their doors wide open so heating or cooling the outside. Shops should have their doors closed to conserve energy and protect the environment.
4. Walk or cycle on short local journeys. Leave the car in the driveway. The exercise will do you good and you will feel better.
5. Turn off electrical devices when not in use. Turn off lights, TV, PC, computer games consoles, stereo, fans and other devices when you are not using them. Do not kid yourself that it is better to leave the TV or the PC on standby for long periods. It will save energy and money to turn them off.
6. Take fewer flights. Take the train where possible. Have fewer vacations abroad and get to know your own country a little better by visiting some places you always meant to see.
7. Recycle as much as you can. You should recycle your cans, bottles, paper and much more. You know it makes sense.
8. Grow your own vegetables. Save money, eat more healthily and save on the transport and packaging of supermarket vegetables. Support local producers whenever possible.
9. Install a solar panel on your roof. Over a period this will reduce your consumption of conventional energy.
It is easy to sit back and blame world leaders or large corporations for the increase in carbon emissions. Instead we should take responsibility for our own actions. Collectively we can make a difference - and save money on the way.
Paul Sloane talks on leadership and lateral thinking.
Published by Paul Sloane
I am a Speaker & Author of books on lateral thinking puzzles, leadership & innovation. I help organisations to improve creativity and innovation. I give keynote talks and I facilitate brainstorms and worksh... View profile
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