National Wildlife Federation: Climate Classroom > Family action plan for global warming

Climate Classroom > Family Action Plan for Global Warming

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Ranger Rick™ Presents: Family Action Plan for Global Warming

Climate Classroom Ranger Rick Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere form a blanket around the Earth. This blanket traps the sun’s heat and keeps the planet warm enough for us to live here. But pollution is making the blanket too thick. The Earth is heating up. This rise in temperature is called global warming.

How can your family help stop global warming? By saving energy! Greenhouse gases are released whenever we burn fossil fuels such as coal, gasoline, and oil for energy. Cutting energy use cuts carbon dioxide.

For the average family in the United States, half of the carbon dioxide comes from heating and cooling the house. One quarter comes from transportation. The other one quarter comes from using electricity. You can make changes in all of these areas to fight global warming. Here’s how.

Download the Global Warming Family Action Checklist (PDF)

> Simple StEPS:

Conserve electricity

Turn off the lights, computer, and TV when you are done using them.
Unplug electronics and chargers between uses.

Use less hot water

Wash clothes only when you have a full load. And use the cold water setting. (Heating water uses lots of energy.)
Take shorter showers and don't fill the tub full when you take a bath.
Run your dishwasher when it is full. Use the energy-saving setting.
Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.

Heat and cool less

In summer, set the temperature on your air conditioner a few degrees higher.
In winter, set the thermostat on your furnace a few degrees lower.

Travel smart

Going places? If it's just a short distance, try to walk or ride a bike instead of hopping in the car.
If you need to go by car, try to combine trips so you can drive less.

Recycle

Recycle your paper, plastic, glass, and cans. It takes more energy to make new products than to recycle old ones.
Take reusable bags with you to the supermarket.

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> bigger STEPS:

Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They cost more than incandescent bulbs, but they save money over time because they save so much electricity.
If you can, hang your wash up to dry. (Clothes dryers use a lot of energy.)
Insulate your hot water heater.
Weatherize your windows and doors to keep out cold air in winter and hot air in summer.
Check the tire pressure on your family's vehicles. Keep the tires inflated and you’ll burn less gas.
Keep your car tuned up—a well-kept engine pollutes less.
Plant a tree or two. Trees take in CO₂ from the air. They can also provide shade in summer to keep buildings cooler without air conditioning.

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> SUPER-SIZED STEPS:

Shop smart

Whenever you can, buy fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies. It takes a lot of energy to transport foods long distances.
Choose recycled paper for your printer and other recycled products.

Shop less

Cut down on how much stuff you buy. It takes energy to make, package, and ship things to a store.

Boost your energy efficiency

Add more insulation to your home to keep out heat in the summer and cold in the winter.
Moving? Look for a well insulated home that’s only as big as you need. (It takes more energy—and costs more—to heat a large home than a small one.)
Shopping for a car? Choose one that gets very high gas mileage. Find out more by logging onto http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.
Need to replace a major appliance such as a refrigerator? Look for one with an "Energy Star" label.

Spread the word

Tell friends, classmates, and neighbors how they can join the fight against global warming.
Write, call, or e-mail your elected officials and encourage them to support laws to reduce global warming.