Green Monday

Global warming has become an increasingly hot topic (pardon the pun) and not just amongst young liberals like myself. True science is nonpartisan. Democrats and Republicans have acknowledged the fact that global warming is a real an iminent threat. It's time that we band together to tackle this issue head-on. Not everyone can be an Al Gore - but we can take simple steps in our daily lives to reduce the carbon emissions.
The easiest one of all - replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents. Sure, the fluorescents cost more initially - but these bulbs will save you $ in the long run on your energy bills and they give you that warm fuzzy do-gooder feel (okay maybe that's just me). And don't worry, not all fluorescents give off cold bright white light. Here's a great review on the fluorescents available for purchase at home depot, which might help you choose which type of bulb to purchase.

Next easy step - adjust your thermostat. Every little degree counts and saves energy. In hotter months, turn up your thermostat by a couple degrees so your air conditioning doesn't run nonstop. Your home doesn't need to feel like Antarctica. Really it doesn't. And in colder months your house doesn't need to feel like the tropics. Turn your thermostat down, even if it's just a couple degrees. This time of year in Savannah, heat and AC are not necessary - just open a couple windows and let in that comfy fall air.

The next step is one I haven't taken yet, but I plan to. Instead of drying clothes in the dryer - hang them up to air dry. It's easy and will save you money. And if you're like me and don't like that crispness that comes with air drying - toss them in the dryer for a couple minutes afterwards to soften them up. Easy and still helps the environment.

Last but not least - think about how you get around. Think hybrids, think biking and walking, think about carpooling, and think about combining errands into one trip instead of several. And then do it!