Averting ecological disaster
Green Party chairman offers everyday tips on curbing global warming
Yes, the earth is getting warmer. The icebergs are melting at a worrying rate. This is not only paranoia on the part of certain interested parties.Yes there are some hysterical voices here and there, but the difficult facts cannot be disproved. There is not even one serious scientist in the world today who claims otherwise.
So what's next? What should we do? Is there anything at all that could be done, or is all that is left to do is to sit idly by and wait for the sea to flood shoreline cities such as Haifa, Tel Aviv and Ashkelon?
A total of 20 percent of CO2 emissions stem from energy consumption at homes and institutions, and another 25 percent as a result of the use of vehicles. The implication is that it is possible to resolve the climate crisis, reduce your CO2 emission levels, and in fact bring them down to zero. If you are willing to change your way of life, here are some steps you can start with.
Turn off the light when you leave the room, turn off heaters or air-conditioners in rooms that are not being used, turn off your computer and television using the on/off button rather than the remote control, purchase efficient appliances, and use efficient light bulbs – fluorescents are five times more efficient and last 10 times longer. Also use laundry programs featuring lower temperatures.
What else? Only use full dishwashers and washing machines, hang laundry outside to dry instead of using a dryer, make your showers shorter, install showerheads and faucets that save water, use hot water more sparingly, use a timer in order to reduce energy consumption when it comes to cooling and heating, invest in solar boilers, and make sure your home is well insulated.
Call radio shows; write Knesset members
Recycle everything! Newspapers, bottles, batteries, and mail items. Use electronic media and reduce the use of printed paper. Purchase hybrid cars if you can afford to. Walk or bike. Use public transportation.
Ensure that your vehicle is maintained regularly – a tuned-up engine and proper tire pressure will save you 3 percent on annual fuel costs. Start using renewable energies.
Vote for representatives who pledge to resolve this crisis. Write Knesset members. If they do not listen, run for the Knesset yourselves. Plant trees, plenty of trees. A tree absorbs about 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of CO2 during its lifetime.
Call radio shows and write to the newspapers. Insist that Israel freeze its levels of CO2 emissions. Join the global effort to curb global warning and work to reduce our dependency on oil.
Help farmers grow corn (used to produce ethanol fuel); raise fuel-saving standards; demand a vehicle with low emissions.
Go shopping at local stores and not at shopping centers out of town. Buy products that use economical packaging. Purchase seasonal organic food that is grown as close as possible to your area of residence. Use shopping baskets and reduce the use of nylon bags. Buy recycled paper when possible: Toilet paper, notebooks, paper towels, etc.
Global warming is man-made – cooling down the globe also depends on human beings, that is, on us.
Pe'er Visner is the chairman of Israel's Green Party
