| While there are some dissenters, almost all scientists | | | | minimal packaging. Economy size things will do the |
| from the major industrialized countries agree that | | | | trick, as well as reusable products. Remember to |
| global warming is real. Over the last 100 years or so, | | | | recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum |
| global temperatures have increased more than ever | | | | cans. If you recycle half of your household waste |
| before, by what history we have. There are a few | | | | each year, you will save 2,400 pounds of carbon |
| theories as to why this is happening, but the most | | | | dioxide annually. |
| common one is the greenhouse effect. This theory | | | | 2) Less Heat and Air Conditioning - This is a trick that |
| has to do with greenhouse gasses and the increased | | | | will save the planet and your wallet at the same time. |
| emission of them in the post-industrialized era. | | | | Make your home more energy efficient by adding |
| Greenhouse gasses actually keep us alive, keeping | | | | insulation and weather stripping. Also, set your |
| our atmosphere about 33 degrees Celsius warmer | | | | thermostat two degrees higher in the summer and |
| than it would be otherwise, but too much can cause | | | | two degrees lower in the winter. This will allow you |
| problems. In reality, just a one degree increase in | | | | to pay less for heating and air conditioning while |
| temperature could be disastrous for the entire planet. | | | | saving about 2,000 pounds of carbon emissions each |
| For one, warming has already caused glaciers to start | | | | year. |
| melting. If this continues, sea level will rise, disrupting | | | | 3) Drive Less - Try walking or biking to work if |
| climates on the entire planet. Also, warming will cause | | | | possible. If it is too far, join a carpool or take the bus. |
| the oceans to be warmer. This might sound nice for | | | | You may have to get up a little earlier, so make sure |
| a day at the beach, but when your beach house is | | | | you still get eight full hours of sleep each night. |
| destroyed by a hurricane you won't be so happy. | | | | As a concerned citizen, you should do your part to |
| Warm ocean temperatures are conducive to stronger | | | | lessen the effects of global warming. Also, keep in |
| and more frequent hurricanes, and some scientists | | | | mind that as adults we can compartmentalize the real |
| believe this effect has already been seen over the | | | | dangers facing us. However, it has been reported |
| last few hurricane seasons. | | | | that half the children between 7 and 11 are |
| So what can we do about this effect that could | | | | frightened about the effects of global warming and |
| destroy our planet bit by bit? Here are a few | | | | often lose sleep over it. If that is the case with your |
| suggestions. | | | | child or someone you know, explain to them they |
| 1) Recycle - Recycling is more than having a blue bin | | | | too can take a part in the problems facing the earth. |
| in your kitchen and throwing things in it occasionally. | | | | Finally, have your child take a deep breath and realize |
| One way to reduce waste is to buy products with | | | | we shouldn't take things to the extreme. |