The fact is, global warming / climate weirdness is happening; and it is quite clear recent big changes are caused by us. Independent measurements agree the average temperature of the whole world is steadily going up. Warmer air holds more water vapor given off by warming oceans and lakes. Wetter air causes more powerful storms (tornadoes in Massachusetts! as well as hurricanes and superstorms like Sandy.) In winter, that means heavier snows, even though the average winter weather is not always so cold as it used to be.
You know the rest of the bad news, but don’t get to feeling helpless. You’re not. There is a lot everybody can do.
Last month we discussed saving energy (and money) indoors at home while keeping temperatures comfortable.
This month we talk about saving energy (and money) at home, in lighting your house and surroundings.
- Use daylight as much as possible; adjust your schedule to daylight-saving changes.
- Get into the habit of turning out the lights when they are not needed, especially whenever you leave a room unoccupied. At first, it requires effort and thought; then it can become automatic and easy.
- And turn off radios, TVs, etc. when you leave a room, too!
- When you turn on an outside light at night to welcome and assist guests, turn it off as soon as they’re inside (and then on again—but briefly!—when they leave).
Please respect our Town regulations against light pollution of the night sky, by turning out outdoors lighting when neighbors are in bed. If you feel you need protection against thieves or other intruders, work with the police on motion-sensitive signals or light switches.
Next month: Tips about Wasting Less Water.