Climate
I am participating in Blog Action Day. The idea is for bloggers across the blogosphere to take one day out of our normal blogging lives to write about a subject. The same subject. Last year, the topic was the environment. And this year, the subject matter is climate change.
As I mentioned last year (and it still holds the same this year), I’m by no means an activist. I’m not ready to give up my quality TV and packaged goods for a life in the woods using fire as my main source of light and energy. But, it doesn’t hurt to think about our presence on earth. And the kind of footprint we, as individuals and as a society, are leaving for future generations. So, to start this year’s Blog Action Day, I went out into the scary world of the internets to read up a bit on climate change.
Earlier this year, the U.S. government came out with a study on climate change. The message from that study was there are some very real changes occurring related to climate change. However, the time line for the effects of those changes is unknown. Here are some of their key findings:
- Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced … global temperatures have increased over the past 50 years
- Climate changes are underway in the United States and are projected to grow … these changes include increases in heavy downpours, rising temperature and sea level, rapidly retreating glaciers, thawing permafrost, lengthening growing seasons, lengthening ice-free seasons in the ocean and on lakes and rivers, earlier snow melt and alterations in river flows
- Widespread climate-related impacts are occurring now and are expected to increase ... water, energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems and health are already affected by climate changes
- Climate change will stress water resources … the impacts vary from drought to reduced precipitation to increased evaporation to flooding to issues with water quality
- Crop and livestock production will be increasingly challenged … increased heat, pests, water stress, diseases and weather extremes will all play a role in our ability to farm
- Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge … leading to increased risk of erosion and flooding and adversely affecting energy and transportation infrastructure in those areas
- Threats to human health will increase … expect rises in heat stress, waterborne diseases, poor air quality and diseases transmitted by insects and rodents
- Climate Change will interact with many social and environmental stresses … such as pollution, population grown, overuse of resources and urbanization to create larger impacts than from any of these factors alone
- Thresholds will be crossed, leading to large changes in climate and ecosystems … examples of this might be the presence of sea ice and permafrost and the survival of species from fish to insects
- Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today … the amount and rate of future climate change depends primarily on current and future human-caused emissions of heat-trapping gases and airborne particles
You know what? That scares me. Not because I think my life will be all that different. Because, the reality is, I think our generation will feel very few additional effects of climate change. But, I really wonder what precedent we’ve set for future generations. And what will the future of Earth look like?
So, I began doing a little more research into small steps we can take now that will have a great accrued and cumulative impact on the future. Let’s see how I’m doing and what I could be doing better:
- Buy a new refrigerator … those refrigerators made 20-30 years ago eat up about a third more electricity than those made today. (Check – our refrigerator is about 2 years old)
- Update heating and air-conditioning systems … as they are all more energy-efficient than older models … newer models are 6-15% more efficient than models 15 years or older (Check – our HVAC system is also about 2 years old)
- Use compact fluorescent lights … they use about 75% less energy than more traditional bulbs (Fail – we have some CFLs in our condo and I absolutely HATE them … I swear I’ll switch back to more traditional, energy guzzling bulbs … until CFLs give off a softer, less harsh light, it will be hard for me to buy into using them everywhere)
- Fine-tune your thermostat … every degree you turn it up in the summer and lower it in the winter saves 2% in energy costs … programmable thermostats can help keep temperatures exact and can further adjust them during times you won’t be in the house (Check – we keep it at 74 in the summer and 68 in the winter, though I fight the winter setting as I always seem to be cold)
- Service heating and cooling units … regular service on these systems could reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% or more … having your system regularly cleaned by a professional means it doesn’t work as hard to heat/cool your home … changing the air filters (something you can do on your own) every 3-4 months will also help the system run most efficiently (Moderate check – we have our system serviced once a year and we’re trying to be better about changing our air filters)
- Seal window leaks … in the winter, it prevents cold air from coming in (forcing your heating unit to work harder and use more energy to keep your home warm) and hot air from escaping (again, forcing your heating unit to use more energy to keep your home warm). Other places in your home that should be sealed include chimneys, attics, doors, ductwork and any other places with exterior exits (bulkheads, pipes, etc.). (Moderate check – our home is newer, so a lot of that sealing was done within the past few years; however, we have lots of windows in our living room, which means it’s just plain cold and hard to heat)
- Adequately insulate your home … areas that should be insulated are attics, basements, crawl spaces and exterior walls, roofs and floors. Other areas that should be insulated include heating ductwork, water pipes (to prevent freezing) and water heaters. This work can be tricky and there are a lot of guidelines to follow – make sure it’s professionally done. (Check – again, our building is only a few years old, so this insulation is also only a few years old)
- Clean and unblock radiators and baseboards … dirt, dust and pet fur all reduce the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems. (Moderate check – our vents are high, so none are blocked, but we definitely need to be better about vacuuming and dusting on a regular basis)
- Check chimney use … when not in use, close dampers to prevent drafts and heat loss (Check – we have no chimney in use)
- Reduce hot water usage … water heating consumes 15% of a household’s energy budget … some ways to reduce water usage include low-flow showerheads, showers lasting only 3-5 minutes, use of dishwasher only when it’s full, use of cold water only to wash clothes (80% of energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the water), keeping water heater at 120°F and not higher (Check – I may take long showers, but I also don’t shower every day … sssssh, it’s a secret!)
- Turn off lights when not in use (Check!)
- Plug electronic gadgets into power strip, which is turned off nightly … even when your TV or computer is off, they still use energy. A house full of gadgets can add up to lots of energy. Turning off the power strip reduces use of this wasted energy, which can account for up to 12% of a monthly electricity bill. (Fail – most of our gadgets are plugged into power strips, but we definitely do not turn them off at night. Must get better at this)
As I look through this (far from complete) list, I think we’re doing an adequate job. Though I’m still a little fuzzy on how these changes will improve climate change, I’m all for doing my part. Tell me, what do you do to help make this world a better place for future generations? And what are you committed to changing to steer towards a better place?
October 15th, 2009 at 8:17 am
This is a great post because it explains things in plain English. And the changes suggested are totally doable and not terribly difficult. I am going to address the few issues on the list that apply to me.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I completely fail at turning off power strips at night. And quite honestly, I don’t even think about it. I do make a concious effort to save energy in other ways. We keep our thermostat around the same temps that you do. 68 in the winter is cold, but we just pull out more blankets.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:38 am
We have the CFL and they grow on me but I can see how they are frustrating.
Some things we have done:
-added a dimmer switch in our living room (and dimmer CFLs)
-Use canvas bags and recycled plastic totes when we go shopping
-Recycle, recycle. recycle. We wash our glasses and cans, and toss any paper
-Change the air filter 1-2 months
-Changed our cleaning products to more enviromentally friendly ones
-try to use mass transportation when we can (although part of this is driven by the fact that parking sucks in our area so we don’t want to be driving around for blocks after a night at the movies)
I have a few canvas tote bags that were not used from the wedding. If you want to do a give away to save the earth let me know.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I read up on climate change all the time. My penchant for disaster preparedness you know… But here’s the blog that I find the most fascinating.
http://scienceblogs.com/islandofdoubt/
Most of the time, he fights the naysayers (the ones that say global warming is not happening) He is by no means an alarmist, but he tells the truth.
October 15th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Some small things I’ve started doing in an effort to go green/save the planet:
* Carpool with my dad to work two-three times a week.
* If I don’t have my reusable grocery bags with me, I get paper bags instead which we then reuse as wrapping for presents
* I’m transforming my work into a green environment. Recycling paper, aluminum and cans. All of our paper products are at least 20% recycled product (including our TP and paper towels!). If they have to print something, I ask that they do so double-sided or two pages per 8 1/2 by 11in sheet of paper.
I can still be bad about turning off lights when I leave a room and turning off my appliances at night, but I’m working towards it!
While it’s not aesthetic, we put plastic over our windows (you can buy special kits for it at Target, Home Depot, etc) in the winter to prevent those unexpected leaks. It makes a HUGE difference with regards to the warmth of the room.
I know there are dissenting views on climate change (such as what caused it, does it exist) but I don’t see how people can deny the fact that there is indeed something changing in our environment. Mild summer straight into winter? That’s not normal at all. I do fear for future generations. Our selfishness may have caused my grandkids a life without parks and trees!
October 15th, 2009 at 9:03 am
We tried the CFLs too and I also hate them. I have poor low-light vision, so I’m a fan of bright, harsh light, but I didn’t feel that they stayed bright. I was hoping for bright light, good for reading, without the bulb getting so hot that I’m sweating sitting underneath it. Didn’t work that way, they seemed to dim quickly, and didn’t really last any longer in most of our fixtures (regular lamps, bathroom globes, and motion sensor outdoor lights). The one place we’ve had success is our front porch light, which is kind of nice because it’s a pain to change frequently.
Changing the air filters will help cut down the dusting you have to do. We have those 3M allergy filter things (the name completely escapes me right now), and the fan on our heating/cooling system is set to “On” instead of “Auto” so it is constantly circulating air. Helps suck a lot of the dust out of the air. Less cleaning I have to do, the better!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:24 am
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October 15th, 2009 at 10:28 am
Great post, I like the fact you humanised it, something that the governments never really do. There are lots of things we can do, that if all of us take small steps add up to big ones without us realising it.
I’ve linked to your post from my Blog Action Day -- climate post -- altough i have gone for the tough love option! http://misssmidge.blog.me.uk/2009/10/blog-action-day-2009-climate-change/
October 15th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I think anything we can do helps somewhat because if we’re all doing our part (I sound so cliche -- sorry) to save energy, recycle, etc. then we can make a difference. People just need to be aware and know what they can do. It really doesn’t take that much.
Great post Nilsa!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:41 am
This is a great list. Our house is a bit older so there are a few things we’re still trying to find the money to do, like increase insulation and replace the windows… but for the most part, we do what we can.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Yeeps! 68 is very chilly. I keep my thermostat at 73 when I’m home and 71 at night, in the winter. However I make up for it a little by keeping it at 78 during the summer.
October 15th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I use CFL’s, use canvas bags for shopping 90% of the time, do not have air conditioning, use cold water to wash my clothes. I have a small place so I don’t have a very big footprint for heating and electricity. Can’t do much about my appliances and the fact that I have no dishwasher though. :( I also get lazy about buying plastic water bottles instead of re-washing my reusable containers. I need to stop that. And I really wish someone would stop stealing my recycle bin out in my backyard. who does this???
October 15th, 2009 at 11:02 am
thanks for all these good tips/pointers!
October 15th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
I fail at unplugging appliances that aren’t being used. The power strip idea is a good one but definitely something I’d need to get used to. I hate CFLs too but Shawn insists we use them.
October 15th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Hey…I didn’t know you were doing this too. Cool.
I do not unplug…but I am getting better at shutting down computers when not being used. We have relatively new appliances, and we live in a rental, and as much as I dig the environment, I dislike our landlords more, so we have not done any sealing.
October 16th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091016/ap_on_fe_st/eu_germany_green_brothel;_ylt=Aj9dO3Vca9yszcdlhzal6x.s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTFmaWRobXYyBHBvcwMyMDUEc2VjA2FjY29yZGlvbl9vZGRfbmV3cwRzbGsDYmVybGluYnJvdGhl
Let me know if the link doesn’t work and I’ll send it to you again.
Everybody is doing their part--LOL. : )
===
ps--good info in your post. i like you, cannot abide by the new lightbulbs though. i think the EU made it illegal to use anything but those. i’d never survive!!
October 18th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I love when I can come to your blog and get informed. Thank you for doing the homework and distilling it down for all of us.
I use fluorescent bulbs in some lights, I’m way more cognizant of unplugging things than I used to be, and I try not to run the air conditioner unless I’m dying. I also drive a Prius and just bought a tumbler composter, both of which I believe help cut my carbon footprint.
An Inconvenient Truth pretty much terrified me. I wish the rest of the world would get on board with making the important changes…
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:18 am
We have done what we can here to make changes to our life to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Changing just enough will help. I’ve also learned that you can’t change your life too much so that it becomes frustrating or adds considerable impact to your life that the action of being green.
For example, I’m looking at getting an all electric car next year. Finding out what needs to happen and what I need to do to prepare is turning out to be an eye opening experience. But if I can make it work without having to make so many changes that it impacts more things in my life, then it will happen.
Which is exactly how I treat everything I do when trying to be green. Exhaustive is not always the best option for everyone. I would rather see more people make small changes in their life to go green, which would help the collective public more than anything.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
It would be wonderful if they came out with a few more suggestions for renters. I’d love to do many of these things, but the best I can do is hang thermal curtains (check) and seal a window leak with a bit of old t-shirt (check).
I live in San Francisco, which is one of the most green-friendly cities in the country, so it’s pretty easy for me to contribute. I compost (they make it SO easy and it’s just smart!), recycle, use the CFLs (though yes, HATE the light they give off), get my vegetables from a local organic CSA share, wash everything but towels in cold water, and take the train to work. That sounds pretty good, but it really is because this city makes it so easy. If I had to have worms in my basement to compost, it wouldn’t happen.
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
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