Sitting in almost 70-degree heat in January a couple weeks ago brings the growing problem of global warming to mind. Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases released into the air via energy consumption and is a major problem that the world must deal with. Americans may think that what they do to contribute to this problem is minimal and there is nothing they can do about it. But because there are 300 million people in the United States and because it is the number one greenhouse gas emitter in the world, each individual is responsible for contributing to this environmental disaster. The impact that you make adds up but there a few steps that you can do to lessen the footprint of your contribution to global warming.

Save energy, consume less, consume green
Energy consumption not only releases carbon-based emissions that contribute to global warming but also creates a deep dent in consumers' wallets. Rising oil prices and tapped-out reserves create a demand that you, the consumers, ultimately pay for. Reducing energy consumption and using alternative clean energy sources help the environment as well as your monthly bills.

Green power
Check with your energy provider to see if there is a green or wind power alternative. Switching over to a clean energy provider is usually as simple as filling out an online form. Green power usually consists of a mix of energy created by low-impact hydroelectric sources and wind power. Natural sources of energy keep the carbon burned by traditional energy suppliers out of the air.

Energy-saving appliances and light bulbs
Buy and use energy-saving appliances like light bulbs, refrigerators, and televisions. The less oil-based energy you consume, the less greenhouse gases are released into the environment. Although energy-saving light bulbs are more expensive than traditional light bulbs, according to The New York Times, they last 10 times as long and use 75 percent less energy. The energy consumers can save with these bulbs has been creating an impact. The retail giant Wal-Mart is aggressively marketing the bulbs as part of their chief executive's commitment to reducing energy consumption. Internationally, under Cuban President Fidel Castro's "energy revolution" program, all Cubans will receive energy-saving appliances including energy-saving light bulbs to replace the old energy-inefficient incandescent ones. Castro's light bulb replacement program has also inspired Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to distribute these energy-saving bulbs to his citizens.

Choose not to use energy
Energy use can also be limited by just not using it—from walking up the stairs in your office building rather than using the elevator to using a drying rack for laundry instead of a clothes dryer.

There are many small, simple things that you can do to lessen your carbon-based energy consumption that leads to global warming. Change a light bulb, walk up the stairs, sign up for green energy. A small change in your habits now will ensure a better environment for those in the future.

keeping the earth ever green

Lisa Tae-Ran Schroeder