Global warming is unquestionably the most pressing environmental issue facing whoever ends up in the White House in January 2009. Not only does climate change impact—and in most cases exacerbate—other environmental problems, it has even wider implications for the economy and society at large.
How can individuals do their part at home? We can begin by making our own homes more energy efficient. There is enormous potential in the sources of alternative energy that nature offers us every day. When I say alternative energy I mean: the power of wind and the power of sun, that are totally FREE and don’t harm the environment.
Adding solar panels to your home and building a windmill to support your energy needs is a smart way to go. Many families are constructing their own solar panels and windmills and are seeing significant savings in their monthly energy cost.
Another thing that a homeowner can do is to install a rain barrel to collect rainwater that would otherwise be lost as runoff or be contaminated. Rainwater can be used in your landscaping and you can even wash your car in rainwater.
Composting is a green way to use the leaves, grass clippings, food scraps and paper. A compost bin will keep your yard waste out of the landfill and next spring, you will have compost for your garden.
All of these items can be purchased or you can build them yourself. Consider the benefits to you and also to the planet. Live green!!”
