Posted by Todd Ellebruch on Wed, Apr 22, 2009 @ 09:48 AM
Annually, April 22, is reserved for inspiring awareness and appreciation for the environment. Originally founded in 1970, the recognition of Earth Day has gained more acceptance as we learn more about how we can reduce our carbon footprint, and how we affect our planet's future.
A person's carbon footprint is the measure of how one's activities affect the environment and climate change. Here are some tips on helping to reduce your carbon footprint, increase your role on helping save the planet, and allows us to be green together.
- More and more portable devices have the ability to recharge themselves, but for those that do not, use rechargeable batteries. Recycle the non-rechargeable batteries when you replace them.
- Go paperless. Receive and pay your bills electronically. Not only will you reduce the use of paper, but the amount of fuel used in transporting them.
- When washing your clothes, use the warm/cool setting. By this simple switch, you can save 100,000 barrels of oil from being used.
- Instead of throwing away old computers and electronics, recycle them. Best Buy has a great program for helping you dispose of them. Click here for more information.
- Consider switching your electronics to more modern, eco friendly ones. Companies such as HP offer solutions for help reducing impact on the environment.
- If you travel a lot, use a permanent tag for your luggage instead of using the disposable paper ones.
- Instead of throwing away those old magazines, donate them to your local business and schools. Keeping them in circulation, keeps them out of the landfills. Just because it's out-of-date, doesn't mean the information is useless.
- Talk to your coworkers about carpooling, or if you are close enough, walk or bike to work. Lesser emissions keep the air cleaner, and the possible exercise will help you stay healthy.
- Contact your utility company and request a free energy audit. Not only could you help save energy, but you can also save a little money too.
- Homeowners may receive up to $1,500 in tax credits for home improvements on windows/doors, HVAC systems, water heaters, metal and asphalt roofs, and insulation, which are energy star compliant.
There are many more things you can do to help reduce your carbon footprint, and help stop global warming. For more information visit http://www.earthday.net/ and www.epa.gov/earthday/.