Global warming is currently impacting our Earth and climate change has become a global crisis. Climate change is leading to severe impacts which will affect us continuously including increase of storm intensity, rise of sea levels, droughts, as well as warm winter in Taiwan. United Nations (UN) attributed that the accelerating rate of global warming is caused by massive manmade greenhouse gas emissions.

What can we do to save the Earth?

• Cut down on meat consumption - Consume fresh vegetables and fruits and eat less meat. You are not only to have a better health but also reduce carbon emissions from energy conversion. According to the 2006 research from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, meat products produce 18% of world’s total greenhouse gas which is 2 times more than the total carbon emission from home and office and about 40% more than the transportation sector(13%).

• Reduce refrigerator usage – Do not open your refrigerator too often. Every time you open it, the compressor needs 10 to 20 minutes to recool. Reduce the frequency of opening your refrigerator as well as time length.
• Reduce waste and recycle – Classification of waste may increase the efficiency of incinerators, every 10% of waste may reduce 454 kg of carbon dioxide. The use of 1 ton recycled paper can reduce 30,000 liters of water and save 19 trees. 20 times of plastic bottle reuse can reduce nearly a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions.

• Quit using disposable dining ware – Use your own containers for dining out and reduce the usage of polystyrene foam containers and other disposable dining ware.

• Drive less and take public transit - Transportation sector produce 14% of world’s total greenhouse gas. Car emits about 81g of carbon dioxide per kilometer and scooter emits about 23g of carbon dioxide per kilometer. Therefore, you may eliminate the amount of carbon dioxide emission simply by reduce the frequency of drive by walking, biking or taking mass transit to restore our Earth and also be a healthier person.

• Water conservation – Precious water resources are impacted by climate change such as natural hazards, droughts and increase of water consumption. Water recycle is very important. Recycle the water used for rice washing to save water and reduce pollution made by detergent, water your plants with the water used for washing vegetables and shower instead of bath are practical things you can do to conserve water.

• Energy Efficient Appliances Only –Look for “eco-friendly green labels” when making new purchases.

• The Earth has limited resources, the rise of public environmental consciousness is very important. We should all join together to save the environment through resource conservation and carbon dioxide emission reduction. Every little effort each person makes will bring positive impact to the Earth. Let us all work on a low-carbon life style to save the environment.