Realistically, you know that large companies are the greatest producers of greenhouse gasses and that ongoing pressure on legislators to direct and change those pollutants is the most critical step to take. But there are also smaller steps we can do as individuals to also help greenhouse gas emissions in your neighborhood and home. Continue your work to encourage your senators, but in the meantime, what are some ways you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in your own home?
Replace Your Aging Appliances
Your appliances use the predominance of energy in your own home, and having aging appliances means they are using more than you’d like. Not only will this create more energy usage, but more emissions. It can be common to want to repair appliances to save landfills. Remember that recycling is possible, too, and that newer, energy-efficient appliances can also save you on your monthly bills.
Use Sustainable Materials
Sustainable materials are those which are healthy for the environment, recyclable, or are fast growing. One way to incorporate sustainable materials is by using recycled asphalt when paving your driveway. Another example of sustainable materials is bamboo flooring, which, unlike hardwood, is a grass that grows several yards a year. Sustainable materials are surprisingly affordable and incredibly beautiful.
Listen to the Government
Ok, this one sounds funny, but there are a lot of experts who have spent their lives dedicated to learning exactly what things Americans can do collectively to reduce greenhouse gasses. It’s a great idea to read through their suggestions of how to reduce each home’s output so that collectively it’s possible to make a difference. It won’t be as much as a corporation, and there is still a lot of work to do, but each change individuals make does help the overall national output. Just as importantly, you can help make sure your family knows how to learn these important things, so that they, too, can participate.
Everybody is thinking more and more about our biggest concern, climate change. It’s going to take a lot of collective work, and a lot of collective pressure upon governmental leadership, to change the corporate output. In the meantime, individual homes can begin by doing things that are energy-efficient, and which will help their energy bill lower, as well.
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