REANergy

In a world vulnerable to the effects of Climate Change, we should develop a consciousness of our energy consumption. Every kWh of power, every liter of gasoline brings hundreds of thousands of people closer to their death. In the Philippines, a kWh emits about 0.6kg CO2 mainly from coal fired power plants. A liter of diesel emits 2.3kg of CO2 equivalent. While the prospect seems bleak there are practical ways to slowdown global warming. Here are a few of them:

1.) TURN OFF THE LIGHTS- In the Philippines, the most abused appliance is the bathroom light. STOP scaring your kids so you don't need a night light!

2.) UNPLUG your appliances - When you turn off your TV, stereo its actually on standby so you can activate it with a remote. Other appliances only turn off the secondary coil of its power supply. These cases actually draw current from the outlet up to 40% of the appliances rated current consumption. By unpluging or using a power strip, you completely isolate the appliance from the outlet.

3.) DON'T LET MUCH OF THE SUN IN - The sun radiates infrared and ultraviolet rays that carry heat. Permanently shade your east and west facing windows. Put awnings on your north and south facing windows. Put infrared blocking coatings on all your fenestration.

4.) PARK IT - Instead of driving your car during rush hour, park it and leave later. In a traffic jam, you burn gasoline without going anywhere.

5.) CARPOOL - Its not a swimming pool for your car, silly! Get your officemates to share your ride. You reduce your emissions to 1/5 since more people benefit from the burning of your fuel. To save even more, commute, bike or even walk.

This doesn't end here. Once you've done all these, tell at least five other friends or let them read this article.