Global Warming

New Year’s Resolution: Stop Global Warming

As the New Year has just begun, people are making New Year’s resolutions. Like many people, I’m thinking about dropping some pounds — of carbon. I plan on reducing my carbon footprint and reducing the amount of greenhouse gas pollution I produce in a year. I am going to do this by planting native trees, [...]

As the New Year has just begun, people are making New Year’s resolutions. Like many people, I’m thinking about dropping some pounds — of carbon.

I plan on reducing my carbon footprint and reducing the amount of greenhouse gas pollution I produce in a year. I am going to do this by planting native trees, shrubs and flowers, adding insulation to our house, using more fluorescent light bulbs, consolidating trips with the car, and using bags you buy instead of plastic bags.

My husband and I already recycle plastic, mail, cardboard, newspapers, glass, tin and aluminum cans. I also compost kitchen waste, leaves, and grass clippings. When we replace appliances we switch to Energy Star rated ones.

Global warming is a threat to our economy and our environment. Pennsylvania contributes 1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases and ranks third for the amount of greenhouse gases emitted.
While it is important to take personal steps to reduce their energy use and greenhouse gas pollution, individual actions alone are not enough. We need strong government policies.

I’ve made my resolution to help stop global warming. Congress, it is your turn now.