Let's do our bit

Today is October 15th ... and it wouldn't be a particularly memorable day if it wasn't Blog Action Day. Although this could serve as an awesome PR tool for the guy who came up with the idea of this day, I'll let him have it because of the potential this has to make a change. What's happening here is that thousands of people are blogging today about one issue ... the environment. It's a way of letting people know that we care; a way of spreading the message out to more people; and a way to make a change.

Here's my list of simple ideas for people who'd like to join in the struggle ...

1. Realize that we have a problem - Those who don't can probably log off right now, because no amount of my ranting is enough to convince anyone that there is a problem. I'm convinced because I see the problems right in my face. There's the increasing temperatures each year, the erratic weather patterns, the missing stars at night, the heaviness in the air when I'm breathing, the missing birds. Those who aren't convinced by this should stop to notice these simple things, and then check out the massive amounts of literature doing the rounds (the counterarguments included).
2. Tell people about it - There's tons of people out there who just refuse to believe that there is a problem, or believe the problem is not as grave, or that there is no alternative. The fact is that there are things each of us can do to help ... simple things which could snowball into huge changes. Talking about it is one way. Once you are convinced yourself, make the effort to tell a few others about it. Every new person convinced adds to the network.
3. Take the bus - Every once in a while, leave your car at home. Take the bus to work, or better still, cycle. I know it's difficult in a hot country like India, but I believe the problem is grave enough for each of us to take action even in the face of a little personal discomfort. And do get your cars serviced to make sure they are not polluting any more than they should.
   
4. Change to energy saving CFLs - Though slightly more expensive, they repay through saved energy costs. And energy is only going to cost more in future! Check out a cost benefit analysis.
   
5. Switch off the power - When not required, switch off your appliances. Just leaving your phone charger plugged after usage can increase your power consumption by 5%.
6. Avoid flying - When you have the time, choose rail instead of air. I've always found that trains are a lot more comfortable and enjoyable than aircrafts (I was even inspired to poetry the last time I was traveling by train :) Check it out!).
7. Plant a tree - This page gives an indication of how much a single tree can do. The data is US centric, but it's enough to get the idea across.
   

This is a very minimal list. Think up your own easy ways to save energy, post it in the comments, put it in your own blog, tell others about it. Let's all do our bit ...

The following links should make good starting points for further reading.

• http://www.ipcc.ch/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change