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What you can do about it

You really can make a difference. It is very important that everyone in the UK starts ‘doing their bit’ and acting now so that we can cut down the amount of greenhouse gases made. If we wait, or hope that other people are making an effort, it may be too late and global warming may change our world forever!

A huge amount of carbon dioxide is made when coal and gas is burnt to produce electricity and when petrol is used to run cars. If you save energy by cutting down the amount of electricity and petrol you and your family use you will cut down the amount of carbon dioxide made. Some ways to save energy are simple, like turning off a light when you don’t need it. Other ways are not so clear for example, recycling drinks cans won’t save energy in your own home but it will save lots of energy at the can factory.

There are many ways to save energy and some are listed here. It needn’t take much time and won’t cost you any money - in fact it should save quite a lot.

Doing your bit at home

If you save electricity around the home you will be cutting down the amount of carbon dioxide made, and cutting down on the bills too.

Why not turn off lights when you don’t need them.
Switch off TVs, computers and hi-fis completely when you’re not using them. If you leave them on standby they still use about half the amount of electricity as when they’re on!
Ask your parents if they have thought of using energy efficient light bulbs. They cost more than normal light bulbs but can save a lot of electricity.
When you use the kettle, just boil the water you need - try not to fill it up if you don’t need to.
If you turn down your central heating by just 1 °C you could save about £15 - £30 per year from fuel bills.
Let food cool down before putting it in the fridge or freezer and try not to leave the fridge or freezer door open.
Ask your parents always to wash a full load in the washing machine and to use a lower washing temperature. A half load uses the same amount of electricity as a full load.
When your parents are buying new electrical appliances like washing machines, ask them to choose the ones that use the least electricity.
Ask your parents if they are doing anything to insulate your home (this means stopping heat escaping) like having insulation in the loft or in your walls. This can cut down on the amount of electricity needed to heat your home.
Water has to be cleaned before it arrives at your home and this uses electricity so try not to waste it. Showers use less water than baths. Also stop taps dripping and try not to leave them running when you clean your teeth.
Recycle bottles, cans, paper and plastics. If you have a garden ask your parents if they will start a compost heap.

Doing your bit when you travel

The best way to cut the amount of carbon dioxide made by cars is to cut the number of car journeys we make. More and more people use their cars when they used to walk or cycle. As well as increasing the greenhouse effect, we are getting more unhealthy. Here are some tips:

Walk or cycle whenever you can.
Try to persuade your parents to catch a bus or train rather than going by car. If they do have to drive to work tell them it’s better to share lifts.
If you have a Park-and-Ride scheme in your town, encourage your parents to use it.
If you can’t walk or cycle to school try to share car journeys with friends.
Try to persuade your parents to get their car tuned regularly - it will mean that the car uses less petrol which will save your parents money and cut down the amount of carbon dioxide made.
If your parents are buying a new car encourage them to ask about fuel-efficient cars, or to buy one that puts out lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Doing your bit in school

School is another place where you can make a difference. As well as reducing the electricity your school uses you could start energy saving schemes with your class. Here are some ideas:

Turn off lights, computers and other electrical equipment when the classroom is empty.
Ask your teacher if the school uses energy saving light bulbs and if it doesn’t, ask why not.
Does your school recycle rubbish like bottles, cans and paper? If it does make sure everyone remembers to use the right bins. If it doesn’t ask your teacher if your class could start to recycle rubbish. Remember, you’ll need somewhere to keep the rubbish and someone may have to take the rubbish to a recycling bin. You’ll have to talk it through very carefully with your teacher and classmates.
Try not to waste paper. Paper comes from trees so the more paper you use the more trees have to be cut down. Also electricity is used to turn wood into paper so if you waste paper you’ll be wasting electricity. Try to use recycled paper if possible and use both sides of the paper in your note books.

This should give you an idea of what you can do and there are many more ways that you can do your bit to make a difference to global warming. Your planet needs your help! Get into the habit of saving energy every day and spread the word before it’s too late.