| Author: Stacey Moore |
The recent shutdown of a major oil pipeline in Alaska highlights America's addiction to oil and other fossil fuels. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), a science-based advocacy group, recommends ways for citizens to break the habit that will save money and protect life on our planet.
Foremost, the group recommends that those shopping for a new vehicle purchase the car or truck with the greatest number of miles per gallon in its class. Each gallon of gas used in a car releases 25 pounds of heat-trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Using less gas reduces global warming and saves consumers thousands of dollars at the pump.
"For most people, their personal car use has a larger impact on the environment than any of their other activities," said Kevin Knobloch, president of UCS.
At home, people can reduce their utility bills and CO2 emissions by switching to companies that provide renewable energy. Coal-fired power plants provide more than half the electricity in the U.S. and are the largest single source of heat-trapping CO2.
"If we diversify America's power supply with homegrown renewable energy sources like wind, biomass and solar," says Knobloch, "consumers will save money on their energy bills while helping the planet." |
Author Bio:
Products that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and DOE. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov. Using energy efficiently at home can be as easy as changing a light bulb. |
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