[color=brown][b]COOL TIPS TO FIGHT GLOABAL WARMING[/b][/color] [i]The Good News, Inquirer [/i] [i]MANILA, Philippines[/i] -- Whether you drive a gas-guzzling Hummer or take a jeepney to school or office, you let carbon dioxide loose into the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. But you can actually help offset this. Greenpeace has drawn up a laundry list of practical tips to allow you to take part in the worldwide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The earlier Filipinos realize that they contribute to global warming, �the sooner everybody can do something about it,� Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner Abigail Gay Jabines said in an interview. �People should realize that this is an urgent issue. It�s not just a whim -- �OK, I�ll do it today, and I won�t do it tomorrow.� You need to check your lifestyle, what you can do short-term, medium- or long-short term,� she said. Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, among developing countries after China and India, according to Greenpeace. [i][b]The tips from Greenpeace, as explained by Jabines, are quite easy to follow:[/b][/i] [color=brown][b]Buy local[/b][/color] The effects will be felt in the long run. �If consumers get products that are local, that are produced in the Philippines,� they reduce the importation of products and lessen the use of fuel to transport these goods. �Every time we import something, we transport it. Every time we transport, we release carbon dioxide.� [color=brown][b]Reduce, reuse and recycle[/b][/color] �There�s more energy used to produce a new product. The more we recycle, or reuse materials, the less energy we use.� [color=brown][b]Dry your laundry on a clothesline[/b][/color] �[Each of the] 365 days in a year, we have the power of the sun to help us dry our clothes. But every time we use a dryer or washing machine, we consume energy, we consume electricity. If we use coal to get our electricity, the more gas emissions we make.� [color=brown][b]Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs[/b][/color], which provide as much light but use 75 percent less power. �A 100-watt incandescent bulb is comparable to a 20-watt CFL bulb.� [color=brown][b]When not in use � always switch off lights and appliances[/b][/color], such as TV and stereo sets and microwave ovens. �If you know that electricity use is one of the major contributors of greenhouse gases, you�ll make sure that you don�t use energy. As much as possible, switch off lights, [but only] if you�re not using them. We�re not saying that you should go back to the caveman period.� [color=brown][b]Buy and use energy-efficient appliances that consume less power but provide the same output.[/b][/color] �There are energy-efficient appliances, and you don�t have to forget about comfort. You need to check the yellow card to see the energy-efficient rating. It helps to choose the appliances you want.� [color=brown][b]Set your refrigerator temperature at 5 degrees Celsius[/b][/color], and leave sufficient room at the top and back to let the heat escape. [color=brown][b]Always clean air-conditioning units[/b][/color] [color=brown][b]Insulate water heaters[/b][/color] [color=brown][b]Conserve water[/b][/color] [color=brown][b]Consider the environment in planning and designing your house[/b][/color] [color=brown][b]Plant trees in your yard to add shade and regulate the temperature.[/b][/color] Make sure to maximize natural lightning and air flow. Consider solar lighting for your porch and garden. [i][b]Read the Complete Article:[/b][/i] http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/thegoodnews/view.php?db=1&story_id=59662