How You Can Play a Small Part it Reducing Global Warming

It's very important that we all do what we can to reduce the effects of global warming not just in our immediate area, but all over the world as well. By combing our smaller efforts, we can significantly reduce the impact global warming has on our every day lives.

One way of contributing to the reduction of global warming pollution is by perhaps changing the type of light bulb that you use. The standard incandescent light bulb used in so many homes across America are now out-of-date, wasting energy and money, as well as contributing widely to global warming pollution. For the energy and environmental-friendly citizen, there are Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), that give off better, high-quality light using only a fraction of the energy and electricity.

If you were not pleased with CFL's in the past, a lot has changed and it's time to pick up some now. Although the price of CFL's run a little higher than incandescent bulbs, savings quickly pile up. Not only do they last much longer than your current bulbs, they also lower your electricity bill as well. If you're interested in making the switch from energy-burning, money-wasting incandescent light bulbs to the more modern, energy-conscious CFL's, then here's how to do it:

1. In beginning your switchover in bulbs, purchase only one bulb to start out with, just to make sure that it gives off the type of light that you want. When buying them, look for packages labeled "2700 degrees Kelvin" or "warm-white."

2. When purchasing CFL's, it's important to note the difference between watts and lumens. We are used to picking bulbs out by how much wattage they give off, for example 40W or 100W, but with CFL's it's a little different. CFL's have much lower wattage numbers than incandescent bulbs, but give off more light with a fraction of the wattage. CFL's are commonly categorized by lumens. They are a way to tell how much light the bulb gives off and it's a much more accurate way to find out how bright the bulbs are.

Also, to conserve energy, it's important to always turn off the lights in room that you do not need to be lit. A large portion of electricity expenses comes from rooms that are unnecessarily lit.

Believe it or not, the way we drive can have an remarkable impact on the environment and global warming pollution. Learning some good tips and tricks about driving and traveling can really make a difference.

Traveling as light as possible can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 percent. Placing luggage inside, rather than in the trunk or on the roof can reduce dragging and therefore fuel economy.

Not driving aggressively is also another way to reduce pollution that contributes to global warming. Rapid breaking and acceleration can eat up more mileage, can reduce gas mileage as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in town. When on the highway, exceeding the speed limit only 5 miles an hour over can result in a fuel economy loss of 6 percent.

Other ways to save energy around your home are upgrading to Energy Star products. This brand of appliance that ranges from refrigerators, to air conditioners to toasters provides an energy-friendly appliance. Another way to reduce energy around the home is to start unplugging. When you think you're not racking up wattage with your plugged-in toaster or cell phone, you are. Unplugging these every day devices can result in saving energy.