Goal For The Green

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Our Earth, is in a Fragile Condition.

Cutting greenhouse gas emissions, in order to ward off a dangerous rise in global temperatures, may be more of a challenge than previously thought.

Scientists, have published studies in the last month, suggesting that it would require the world to cease carbon emissions altogether by mid century.  This means, that both industrial and developing nations, must use other fuel sources, instead of fossil fuels, during this same suggested time frame. We must do this, in order to prevent warming, that could change weather precipitation patterns, and greatly alter or dry up water sources, globally.

There was a meeting on the issue in Paris, France last week, that involved the countries of China, India , France, Germany,and the United States, among others. The countries represented, produce 80% of the world’s greenhouse gasses, and are among the worlds fastest growing economies.

President Bush, stated in his speech, that the United States would cut it’s CO2 emissions, and other heat-trapping gases by the year 2025.  Most of the world arena, considered his speech to be a huge disappointment. Many nations consider President Bush, as an obstacle to the fight against global warming. Over the past year, he has shown more awareness of the dangers of planetary warming, and human-caused carbon emissions. Although, it was the first time he has set a specific target date. The problem, is we need to address these problems well before the year 2025.  Several attendees, felt the speech “takes a huge step backward.”  Other critics feel, the United States needs to “cut emissions, – not just limit their growth.”  If we set the example, and cut our emissions, perhaps other developing nations would follow our lead, because some countries still look at us, as having the world’s largest economy.

During this conference, there was also a push, for ways to expand the use of bio fuels, beyond the use of corn and other food crops. The growing use of bio fuels, has been blamed for rising food prices and grain shortages, which have caused riots in some countries.

Since the first Earth Day in 1970, much has changed.  Now, we find our Earth in crisis. There are answers, even if it does seem like too little to late. We need to stop our dependence on fossil fuels, and have a government more willing to look at the other options, that have been on the shelf for far too long.  We need to wake-up and push for green energy policies, in hopes of turning back the clock, on our Fragile Earth.

When you apply here for a personal bank loan, you not only get the best loan for your circumstances, but it is paid out with the minimum fuss and as quickly as humanly possible.

Here are a few tips you can put into practice right away that take little effort and your wallet will thank-you.

Did you know that Americans idle away approximately 2.9 billion gallons of gas a year?  With the prices going up almost daily, that is almost $80 billion a year in wasted gas. Obviously, the less you have to stop and go the better. It also helps to maintain a steady, rather than fluctuating speed. Also, be sure your tires have the correct amount of air in them.  Just little things, but they make a difference in the air we breathe and in your wallet.

Just by turning off your computer when not in use, you can save about $90 a year. You can also save more by unplugging small appliances when not in use.  Every little bit helps, because even though it doesn’t seem like it, everything that is left plugged in still uses energy.

By signing up for Green Power, you are supporting the future development of renewable resources. Green Power, is electricity from renewable non- polluting resources like wind and solar power, that can be used over and over. Green Power usage does less harm to the environment.  Turning down your thermostat a couple of degrees can save you between 1-3% on your power bill. It might not seem like much, but it can add up considering 50-70% of your electric bill is calculated based on your heating and cooling consumption.  Wash your clothes in cold water.  This also makes a difference in your power bill.

Paying your bills online saves you time, money gas, and stamps.  It also saves on the amount of paper used to send you that bill.  To get rid of junk mail you can sign up ($1.00 fee ) at Mail Preference Service on Direct Market Assistance website. Most junk mail will stop within about 90 days. To stop opt-in offers from cluttering your mailbox, you can call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.  Follow the instructions, and you can opt out for 5 years or for life.  Next, it takes a little work with our at home printers but it can save a lot of paper if you print on both sides of the copy paper.  Here in the U.S. we use approximately 4 million tons of copy paper per year, most of which is copied on one side only.  That averages out to about 27-30 lbs. per person per year.

You can keep a lot of dirt, pesticides, and germs from entering your home and causing allergies or illness, just by taking your shoes off outside your door.  Something else to consider is to drink hormone free milk. It’s a healthier alternative. Thank goodness it’s the time of the year to start enjoying the wholesome freshness of the farmers markets for fresh fruits and veggies.  Here’s to your health and your wallet.