What Can We Do to Reduce Global Warming?    [15-06-2012] Global warming is a serious problem and it makes our home, the Earth, sick. Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to global warming. Burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil, and gasoline raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. There are many other causes of the greenhouse effect. So, what can we do to help reduce global warming? This week, let’s think about the things we should do for our beautiful planet. Fortunately, there are many ways to save the Earth and keep it healthy and green. First, we should use energy more wisely. Summer is coming and as temperatures go up, many people turn on the air conditioner. However, using to much air - conditioning is not good for our environment. We should keep indoor temperatures moderate at all times. Turn down the air conditioner while you are sleeping at night or if you are away during the day. Setting your air conditioner just 2 degrees higher in summer could save about 900 kilograms of carbon dioxide each year. Recycling, reusing, and reducing waste can also save the Earth. Instead of using disposables, choose reusable products and products with minimal packaging to reduce waste. Recycling paper, glass, cans, plastic, and newspaper is also important. You can save 1,088 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually by recycling half of your household waste. Try to use less hot water. Using a low-flow showerhead can save hot water and about 160 kilograms of carbon dioxide every year. Also, ask your parents to wash your clothes in warm or cold water. Then, you can reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 230 kilograms of carbon dioxide in most households annually. Planting trees is also a good way to protect the Earth from global warming. Today is not Arbor Day식목일, but why don’t we plant a tree? Trees help keep the air clean and fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen. Did you know that a tree can absorb about one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime? That’s a lot of carbon dioxide!     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)