Man and his activities are killing the environment. Forests and grass lands have been replaced by townships and cities. Lakes and rivers have become polluted, and pollution has even crept into the air we breathe. The result is a big hole in the ozone layer. The ozone layer acts as a blanket around the earth. It protects the earth from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Damage to the ozone layer has resulted in UV light penetrating the surface of the earth and causing drastic changes in climate. Winters and summers seem mixed up and rainfall is no longer predictable. Icebergs are melting and sea level is rising. Coastal areas are at risk of flooding. The scenario is pretty grim. However, you do not need to be a scientist or world leader to make a difference. Every single person in the world can do their bit to combat global warming.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Buy recycled stuff. Make sure that the books you buy use recycled paper. Similarly, watch out for the "recycled" tag on items made of glass or metal. Buy products that come with minimal packaging. Plastic, polythene and thermocol layering pose a strain on the environment because they are not biodegradable.

• Use things which can be recycled. A few minor adjustments can make a big difference. For instance, you ought to choose paper bags over plastic at the supermarket. If you don’t like carrying paper bags, buy a shopping bag made of jute so that you can re-use it over and over.

• Recycle whatever you can. Most states have facilities which permit you to recycle paper, plastic and glass. Make use of such facilities.

• When you buy a car, buy a fuel-efficient one. A vehicle which gives you the best mileage is easy on your pocket and on the environment.

• Use cars and bikes only when you have to. If your destination is nearby try walking or cycling. Not only does it reduce emissions, it does wonders for your health too.

• Do you know that several electricity providers in the U.S provide power from renewable resources like wind and water? Check out whether your provider uses renewable or non renewable resources for power generation. If your electricity company uses coal, try switching over to another provider which uses renewable energy sources.

• When you buy appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners, look out for the "Energy Star" label. This indicates that the appliance saves energy and is eco-friendly. Appliances which come with the Energy Star may be expensive, but the expense is worth it when the benefit to the environment is taken into consideration.

• Install good insulation and ventilation in your home, so that you do not have to use the heater or air conditioner too much. These appliances consume a lot of power which in turn destroys the environment.

• You can ask your utility company to run a check on your house and find out areas which are not energy efficient. They will be able to suggest measures to make your home energy efficient.

• Regular incandescent bulbs consume a good deal of power. A better alternative is to replace it with compact fluorescent lamps, which take up less power and last longer.

• Minimize water wastage. Don’t leave taps running when you are shaving or brushing. Similarly, use waste water from the kitchen or bathroom to water plants.

• Don’t leave appliances like your television, desktop computer or laptop on standby mode. Appliances in the standby mode still consume power. Shut down your computer when you have finished using it.

• Remember to switch off all lights, television, music systems and the like when you leave a room. Unnecessarily leaving them on will result in wastage of power.

• Plant trees. You can start in your own backyard. Encourage others in your neighborhood to do the same.

• Promote awareness about global warming, its causes and consequences in your community. You can do so by word of mouth or you can ask your local newspaper to run an article on the topic.

Rick Missimer

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