Global Warming is big news at the moment. Wherever you look there are
articles and television programmes warning us of the dangers and tellig
us we are destroying the world and that we are melting the icecaps.
The only problem is that we don't know what to do to save the environment
and this is the purpose of my first column, to tell you what you can
do to help.
There are many things you can do in your home to save the planet and
some money too! For instance, you can unplug any electrical appliances
not being used regularly and check that other appliances such as computers
and televisions are switched off properly and do not leave them on standby.
You can turn down your central heating in the winter and switch it
off altogether in summer; set your refridgerator temperature at 38 to
42 degrees Fahrenheit; your freezer should be set between 0 and 5 degrees
Fahrenheit. Don't preheat the oven if not necessary and use the microwave
instead to cook and reheat small amounts of food. Only use the dishwasher
when it is full and use a shorter cycle unless the dishes are really
dirty. In your clothes washer, set the appropriate water level for the
size of the load; wash in cold water when practical and try to wash
at 30 degrees Celsius, and rinse in cold. Always make sure lights are
turned off when you leave a room.
Recycling is another great way to save money and the environment. You
can recycle most things nowadays and you should try to use the collection
boxes for cadrboard and glass. Don't just throw your rubbish away -
take it to the local tip instead and get it recycled there for free.
They take clothes, garden waste and just about anything else you can
think of.
You could walk or cycle the short distances you need to go - great
for the environment and can keep you fit as well.
In our house we always try to turn off lights because if we don't my
dad gets angry and starts saying it looks like Blackpool Illuminations;
seems we have to live in the dark. I'm not sure whether he is thinking
more about saving the environment or his bank balance! When my mum washes
my clothes she always washes them at a low temperature unless it is
my muddy football kit! We try to recycle cans, bottles and cardboard
and make sure that the television is turned off and not just on standby.
My mum and dad also try to walk everywhere.
As you can tell, there are many things you can do to help the environment
and they are all quite simple and cheap to do. You should try to do
these things, I mean it is our planet after all and it's not like there
is another one we can borrow if we destroy ours so look after it and
try to do something while there is still time.
Sam.
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