As the government and manufacturers throughout the world are starting to take some actions when it comes to creating a more eco-smart and friendly place, the next step is for consumers to become better at making smart choices during their shopping.

One of the problems linked to consumption is that with many new eco-friendly products, they are often more expensive and difficult to find than the regular products and as the economy is not stable today it can be hard to afford the right products even if you wanted to. This can make for difficult decisions for many people but as the economy begins to even out the choice should be simple; save the earth through your small actions.

When we refer to actions that are small this certainly does not mean they are insignificant. Small actions can be choosing to turn off your computer at night to save electricity and choosing to buy eco-friendly car insurance for your car. Many people are under the impression that these small actions are not enough to make an impact on global warming. The irony of this type of thinking is that when we all feel this way it is true. But on the other hand when we each make this global warming prevention conscious decisions throughout the day we are making a big difference altogether.

As one of the largest and most influential countries in the world it is important to take note that how we begin to prevent global warming through individual gestures we are quite literally setting the example for the rest of the world. First and foremost we need to focus on conserving the energy we use throughout the day. By paying attention to the amount of energy we use in a day it is easy to see just how much has been wasted over the years. There are energy conserving light bulbs which can be purchased and the simple act of turning off lights, electronics and conserving your heat and air conditioning throughout the year in order to do your part.

Temperature control meaning heating and cooling your house account on average for 60% of the energy used within an average household. To the ones that question how much can be saved in that area think again; the average home in Western Europe (in countries that enjoy a similar GNP than the US) uses less than half the energy used in America. How do they do it? For one think energy has always been a lot more expensive there than in the US and therefore, Europeans have always been a lot more careful on how they use energy. In the same vein, education on energy preservation and the environment as a whole has been there for generations both in school and in the media (TV, radio…), sensitizing the Europeans to a much higher level than in the US. So specifically how do they do it: better insulation (wall, roofs, windows), use of thermostat, wearing more layers in winter and dressing light in summer, that last one requires a mental shift as we have been raised in a certain idea of what comfortable temperature in our house is which doesn’t not allow for much variation. Another tendency we have is to close every part of the house to protect ourselves against germs, pollution…. Whether it is actually proven that the average household has five times more pollution indoor as opposed to outdoor.

Appliances can be another large problem when it comes to conserving energy. The problem with older appliances is not only that we don’t realize they are a problem but that they literally suck dry our energy throughout the day. Although many people believe it is still cheaper to keep their old appliances you will see a big difference in your electrical bill when you replace them with new and eco-friendly appliances.

Next it is important to consider fuel efficiency for driving. With more and more fuel efficient vehicles being produced today and even eco-friendly insurance for your vehicles this is a large step in the right direction. Of course you are not expected to rush out and buy a new vehicle to help with global warming prevention but for those of you interested in buying a new vehicle, think fuel efficiency. Combine this with driving less and you are really making an impact in the global warming prevention plan.

Having looked at the ways to stop global warming with regards to transportation, you can now focus on disposing of household waste products like old bottles, newspapers, excess paper, tins, unwanted toys, food and other such items. As there are many different types of household waste items to look at you should separate the ones that you have and dispose of them in this manner.

For instance you can make compost for your garden from food stuff like onion peelings, tea leaves, spoiled vegetables and fruit can be turned into compost. The items like tins, old bottles, papers and newspapers can be taken to recycling centers where they will be eventually taken for recycling.

You can take your old clothes, toys and other goods to charity shops so that someone else will have the chance of using them. This way you can prevent the many garbage dumps from becoming too full. This is another way to stop global warming that seldom crosses our minds.

Appliances can be the largest problem when it comes to conserving energy. The problem with older appliances is not only that we don’t realize they are a problem but that they literally suck dry our energy throughout the day. Although many people believe it is still cheaper to keep their old appliances you will see a big difference in your electrical bill when you replace them with new and eco-friendly appliances.

Aside from these larger actions there are dozens of different choices that can be made throughout the day in order to help with global warming prevention.

• Buy only what you need. The first rule to not pollute (or waste or save money) is to not buy unnecessary items. The current economical situation is for different reasons moving us in that direction.
• Reduce the size of your yard and therefore reducing the amount of lawn that needs to be cut, you can also follow with the next advice
• Grow your own vegetable garden, it is both educational, practical and rewarding (plus you can eat organic food that way). Once you get good at it it will also save you money.
• Recycle as much as possible. Make this second nature, there are no excuses not to do so, the information is available, most cities provides different bins, just do it.
• Eat locally produced foods. Do we need to drink water that comes from the other side of the planet? Fruits from other continents especially when they are also available from your country.
• Choose clean energy options. Whether you are buying cleaning products, personal hygiene, clothing… there are so many options nowadays of non toxic, natural products, just be aware when you are shopping
• Paint your home a light color if you live in a warmer climate and a dark color if you live in a cooler climate. This can contribute saving up to 5000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

It is completely normal to find it hard to adapt to these types of lifestyle changes and this is why it becomes important to think of the big picture. By choosing to accommodate to these changes in your life, you are doing your part to prevent global warming and this should make you feel good inside. Although we may not be the ones who suffer the most from global warming we can choose to take action today in order to prevent any disasters in the future. Global warming is real and the more we begin to accept and understand what is going on around us the more likely we will be able to stop it.