The reality of global warming has finally hit the mainstream. According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the effects of global warming will continue for centuries–even whether we could halt levels of C02 and other greenhouse gases at their current levels. Without a serious effort by the entire world, we will see extreme weather, devastating storms, drought, and flooding in coastal cities. that news is not good.

As a front-page commentary in that morning’s L.A. Times points out, “The only possibility now is to slow the buildup of carbon. whether emissions can be reduced decent, the gradual process of warming can be stretched into centuries.” that may work for us, but it doesn’t manufacture me feel as though we’ve been good shepherds of that planet for our children and their grandchildren.

There is, however, hope whether we all get serious about making a significant difference. But we have to get involved, spread the word, and vote for policies that will at

least help our country get on track. perhaps whether we lead the way, others will follow.

Good places to start are to use combustion engines and motors less and waste less energy. Drive less or carpool. Rake your yard instead of using a leaf blower. Solar-heat your pool. Wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat. build your next car a hybrid. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, which give off the same amount of light but use a third less energy.

You say these measures seem insignificant? By themselves, they are. But whether we all do that in concert, we can build a difference. whether everyone replaced just one bulb with a compact fluorescent, the savings would equal the emissions of about 800,000 cars.

There are hundreds of ways you can save energy at home. You’ll see them appearing regularly at HomeTips.com.

© 2007, Don Vandervort, HomeTips.com

Orginal post by Head Homeboy