10 of the Easiest Things You Can Do to Stop Global Warming

Global warming is a "hot" topic today, especially in the heat of the U.S. political campaign climate. Yet, it is a "buzz" word that is not easily understood by most Earthlings who are seriously concerned about the welfare of our planet. Will Mother Earth survive the onslaught of toxins that are released into her fragile atmosphere?

The amazing new educational book series for adults and children at www.KeepingMyEarthGreen.com describes the reality of Mother Earth's current health condition and offers "10 "of the easiest things you can do to substantially decrease your carbon footprint, save money, improve your health & safety, and better your family relationships, by learning new "energy behaviors" that your whole family can do to help save Mother Earth and reverse the effects of global warming.

What is Global Warming?

"Global Warming" is an easy concept to understand if you consider how a greenhouse works. A greenhouse is a building made of glass that allows the sun's rays to pass through, providing needed light for the plants inside to conduct photosynthesis. In addition to light, the sun's rays also contain another form of energy, heat that becomes trapped by the glass and causes the temperatures in a greenhouse to rise, keeping the plants warm inside while the temperatures could be freezing outside. To prevent the greenhouse from getting too hot and killing the plants, windows or vents can be opened to release the excess heat, thus maintaining perfect growing temperatures inside.

Like a greenhouse, the Earth receives the sun's rays, which light and warm its surface, nourishing all living things. And just like the greenhouse, the Earth's atmosphere contains molecules of natural gases that act similar to the glass in the greenhouse, trapping in some of the warmth of the sun so that we all can survive. The rest of the heat rises and escapes into space. Without this natural process, the Earth would be too cold to be habitable.

We call this natural process the "Greenhouse Effect," and without it we would not survive. No life on planet Earth could exist. The natural gases that form this protective shield high in the atmosphere are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. There is a delicate balance between the amount of these gases in the atmosphere and the heat they trap to warm the Earth and the amount of heat that passes through them back into space. This balance is critical in keeping the Earth at life-sustaining temperatures.

Why Should I Be Concerned?

"Before the Industrial Revolution, the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere measured about 280 parts per million. Today, as a result of burning forests, fossil fuels, and other manmade emissions, we are measuring 430 parts per million in our fragile atmosphere.

Every day more and more of these "greenhouse gas molecules" are being added by man's activities to thicken this protective shield, disrupting the natural balance of heat trapped and heat escaping, causing the Earth to become warmer and warmer.

In the past 30 years, the Earth's average temperature warmed by one full degree Fahrenheit. The year 2006 was measured as the sixth warmest year on record since 1850. At our current rate, scientists predict that the Earth could warm another degree by 2020. It only took a shift in temperature of two to four degrees to trigger the last Ice Age!

To make matters worse, countries like India and China are just coming into their own when it comes to fossil fuel consumption. China is planning on building 800 coal-fired generating plants in the next several years. Only two new plants are operational right now and California is already seeing the effects of them with increased life-threatening smog. Scientists estimate that man could double our carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2035, causing the Earth's temperature to rise four degrees in this century!

What Effects Will this Have on You and Your Children?

Scientists estimate that by the year 2080, as many as three billion people could suffer serious water shortages, while 200 to 600 million could face famine. Plants and animals have taken eons to evolve to their current physiological form. They will not be able to adapt fast enough to the drastic changes in the Earth's temperature. It is estimated that 20% to 30% of all species may face extinction.

With the rising temperatures, the increased warmth will melt the Greenland Ice Sheet, causing global sea levels to rise by as much as 23 feet. Most of the state of Florida is only ONE FOOT above sea level!"

What Can I Do?

In the U.S., 21% of the carbon in the atmosphere is put there by the energy we use in our homes. One average household contributes two times the amount of carbon dioxide emissions as one car does in a year, about 22,000 pounds!

By following these new "energy behaviors " and home improvement ideas, you'll not only substantially help save Mother Earth, but you will save a lot of money too! Here are the 10 easiest things you can do at home to save energy by "Keeping My Earth Green"! A home that uses energy efficiently can reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions contribution to the atmosphere and cut your bills by up to 66%! That's a lot!

Here are 10 of the easiest things that you and your family can do to reduce your "carbon footprint" and help save our precious Mother Earth.

1. Adjust Your Home Temperature by Two Degrees ~
Simply turn your heat down by two degrees in the winter and put on a sweater! In the summer, just turn your thermostat up by two degrees! Recommended temperature setting for saving energy is 81 degrees. Depending on where you live in the world, there are some other helpful summer hints available to save money and energy.

2. Change the Light Bulbs to CFLs ~
Using compact fluorescent light bulbs, referred to as CFLs, will not only substantially help reduce our annual consumption of energy and the carbon dioxide released into our atmosphere, but will also save you a lot of money! A CFL light bulb will cost about $2.60. It will last up to 10 times longer and use about 75% less energy.

3. Bathe with Someone You Love ~
As wonderful as it is to soak in a warm tub, it also wastes a lot of water. It is predicted that "global warming" will increase water shortages in the near future. You'll use one-third less water by taking a shower, and if you cut your shower by just one minute you can save more than 500 gallons of precious water every year.

If you just have to have that warm bath at the end of the day, fill the tub with natural, aromatherapy bubble bath (lavender for relaxation), light a candle or two, turn off the lights and pour yourself and someone you love a glass of wine and bathe together! You'll relax, save on water, and have a romantic time! A great way to better relationships by taking quality time with that special someone!

4. Plant Green ~
Did you know that a single tree can supply enough oxygen for two people for their whole lives?

5. Walk, Walk, Walk ~
Need we say more! Walking or riding a bicycle is not only good for the environment, it provides excellent exercise for your body and peace to your soul. Walking or riding on a regular basis is not only healthy for the heart, if one million people replaced a five-mile car trip with a healthy walk or bike ride at least once a week, Mother Earth would get in shape too with carbon dioxide emissions reduced by about 100,000 tons every year. You'll both lose inches !

6. Choose Your Energy ~
This one is really easy! Just call your energy company and ask them if they offer
any alternative energy use possibilities. Over 600 energy companies in the U.S. have the ability to offer their customers "green power alternatives " like wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, or landfill gas.

7. Look for Biodegradable and Natural Products ~
Did you know that our homes typically contain over 60 hazardous products that together contain hundreds of dangerous man-made chemicals? Since the 1950s we have literally introduced over 17,000 new chemical ingredients into our homes, hidden in everything from the mousse and deodorant we use for our bodies to the dishwashing detergent that cleans the dishes we eat on.

8. Bank Online ~
It's time to join the twenty-first century and become a "with-it " world member by paying your bills online. Most banks offer this service free of charge. If yours doesn't, find another bank. It's convenient, easy, and safe and just think of all the time and gas you'll save.

9. Close the Doors & Open the Windows ~
How often have you found yourself staring into the refrigerator trying to decide what to eat while all the cold air rushes pass you? Or, have you ever carried on a conversation with a friend or a neighbor with your front door cracked open, letting all the warm air inside escape out into the winter sky? We all do it and yet it is a terrible waste of energy.

Not to fret, this is one of the easiest new "energy behaviors " to change. Just be mindful and observant of your and your family's behaviors. Shut the doors when the heat or A/C is running and open them and your windows when the weather is beautiful. You'll enjoy the fresh air and allow toxins from inside your home to escape, making your home environment healthier and safer for your family and your pets.

10. Only Do Full Loads ~
Save on water and energy by making sure you are doing only full loads of dishes or laundry. Most dishwashers today have an energy saving selection: use it.

Visit www.keepingmyearthgreen.com for more great tips and fun, interactive activities for the whole family to learn and enjoy together.

First of all, get educated and make a plan. Commit to that plan and then share what you've learned with your family, friends, and neighbors. You'll not only save the planet, you'll also save money and most importantly, you'll save your own health and the health and safety of those you care about.

The "Keeping My Earth Green" trilogy is a video and E-book series designed to share with you the very easiest things you and your family can do at home, at work, at school, at play, and while you're out and about to save Mother Earth, save money, improve your own health and safety, better your family relationships, and have more fun in your life!

We must all work together to save Mother Earth! Little steps you take today, multiplied by millions from others can have a profound effect.