How to Reduce Global Warming Emissions by Driving Smarter

"# Lighten up! Carrying around an extra 100 pounds in your car reduces your fuel economy by up to two percent. Take with you only what you need and be sure to place luggage inside instead of in the trunk or on the roof to minimize drag and maximize your mileage.
# Take it easy. Nine out of 10 doctors and engineers agree—aggressive driving wastes fuel, not to mention increases stress and accidents! Rapid acceleration and braking reduces gas mileage and can burn an extra 125 gallons of gas per year. Even if the person driving in front of you hasn't seen our tips list, hold your horsepower and keep your cool.
# Keep it slow. In highway travel, exceeding the speed limit by a mere five mph results in an average fuel economy loss of six percent. You're not on the NASCAR circuit. This is commuting, not racing.
# Don't be an American idle. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more gas and emits more global warming pollution than restarting your car! Also, the best way to warm up a car in winter months is to drive it. When the temperature is below freezing, give it 30 seconds—that's all you need."

Buying Energy Saving Appliances Helps The Environment

"Every time you buy a home appliance, tune up your heating system, or replace a burned-out light bulb, you're making a decision that affects the environment. You are probably already aware that most of our biggest environmental problems are directly associated with energy production and use: urban smog, oil spills, acid rain, and global warming, to mention a few. But you may not realize just how big a difference each of us can make by taking energy use into account in our household purchasing and maintenance decisions.

The cost of using appliances and heating and cooling equipment averages more than $1,200 per year. You can sharply reduce your energy bill by using high-efficiency appliances and space conditioning equipment. While these may be more expensive to buy than comparable models with lower or average efficiency, your reduced energy bills will put that money back into your pocket long before the product wears out.

By purchasing energy-efficient appliances, you can also have a positive effect on national security, the economy, and the environment. The efficient use of oil, gas, and electricity improves U.S. economic competitiveness, and reduces the environmental pollution associated with energy production and use.

In fact, choosing energy-efficient appliances is one way you can immediately reduce your contribution to global climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary gas affecting global warming and virtually all energy-using equipment results in CO2 emissions either directly or indirectly. Since burning oil or gas in your furnace creates CO2 directly, choosing a more efficient furnace will reduce this pollutant right from your home. Furthermore, coal or gas is burned in most power plants to create electricity and this produces emissions. By replacing a 20-year-old refrigerator with a new, energy-efficient model, not only will you save about 800 kWh per year, you will also reduce your home's CO2 contribution by about one ton per year—all while saving about $65 per year through reduced electric bills."

Global Warming Will Bring Stronger Storms

Violent storms and tornadoes may become more common as the earth's climate warms, a study by Nasa scientists showed Thursday.
IOL: Global warming will bring stronger storms

The Trial Of Stan "Pampy" Barre, III Has Been Delayed

The trial of Stan "Pampy" Barre, III has been delayed. The new trial date has been scheduled for September 20, 2007. According to sources, the delay is the result of a court back load in Pierce County Superior Court in the State of Washington. Mr. Barre was arrested in Sumner, Washington on February 19, 2006. He is charged with first degree burglary, first degree theft and theft of a firearm. If convicted of all of the charges, he faces a prison term of nine years.

Mr. Barre is the son of convicted operative and restaurateur, Stan "Pampy" Barre, who pleaded guilty to skimming from an energy savings contract that would have benefited the City of New Orleans. His sentencing has been delayed until November 7, 2007.

Building Green Can Help Save The Environment

"The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health and productivity.

In the United States, buildings account for:

* 36% of total energy use/65% of electricity consumption
* 30% of greenhouse gas emissions
* 30% of raw materials use
* 30% of waste output/136 million tons annually
* 12% of potable water consumption

More industry statistics are available on their Research page.

Breakthroughs in building science, technology and operations are available to designers, builders and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance.

Environmental benefits:

* Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
* Improve air and water quality
* Reduce solid waste
* Conserve natural resources

Economic benefits:

* Reduce operating costs
* Enhance asset value and profits
* Improve employee productivity and satisfaction
* Optimize life-cycle economic performance

Health and community benefits:

* Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments
* Enhance occupant comfort and health
* Minimize strain on local infrastructure
* Contribute to overall quality of life

LEED®, the "Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design" Green Building Rating System, is the nationally accepted standard for green buildings developed by the USGBC membership."

For More Detailed Information

Use Energy Star Products To Improve Your Home' s Energy Efficiency

"Making your home more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR can help to reduce high energy bills and improve comfort. Many common home problems like moisture on window panes; ice dams; peeling paint; and mold, can also often be solved by taking steps to improve energy efficiency.

Improving energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR is also an important first step in the growing trend of “green remodeling.” That’s because the energy we use in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. So, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.

ENERGY STAR can guide you in making your home more energy efficient — whether you do-it-yourself or hire a qualified professional. Take these steps to get started:
Analyze your Home’s Energy Use

If you have five minutes and your last 12 months of utility bills, use the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home’s energy efficiency to similar homes across the country and get recommendations for energy-saving home improvements from ENERGY STAR. Or, hire a professional to perform a comprehensive home energy audit.
Air Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Home Sealing

Sealing air leaks that cause uncomfortable drafts and adding insulation are two of the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Use ENERGY STAR Home Sealing to guide you in making these improvements that every home should have.
Heat and Cool Efficiently

Learn to make smart decisions about heating and cooling efficiently. Change your air filter regularly, install a programmable thermostat, seal your heating and cooling ducts, and consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment.
Choose ENERGY STAR Qualified Products

More than 50 types of products can earn the ENERGY STAR, including appliances, lighting, home electronics, and home office equipment. ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment.
Take the Whole House Approach with Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

A whole-house assessment by a contractor participating in Home Performance with ENERGY STAR can uncover your home’s performance problems and identify improvements that, when made together, can greatly improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort. The contractor can also help you get the work done right. Find out if Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is available in your area.
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Conserve Energy To Help The Environment

"On this U.S. Government Web site you can find information to help you save energy in your home, business, vehicle, or industrial plant. The links on Energy Savers take you directly to resources available across Federal agencies for homeowners, contractors and builders, building managers, realtors, state agencies, drivers and fleet managers, and industry managers.

Energy Savers.gov also provides information on the Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency (PHEE). This joint effort of the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is a Federal agency collaboration to help improve the energy efficiency in your housing choices. Learn more about Partnerships for Home Energy Efficiency."
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Energy Savers: Home

Global Warming Affects Us All

Through increased operational efficiency; homes, businesses, institutions and governmental agencies can become economically and environmentally sustainable.

AN INCONVIENT TRUTH by AL GORE

Part 1 of Al Gore's film, "AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH"

Help Fight Global Warming by Conserving Energy

Planting trees, around your home, not only lower the cost of your utility bills, it also helps to conserve energy. Conserving energy also translates into less carbon dioxide being produced.