Conscious Comments October 1, 2012 | Page 6

The Environment-Tips to Save the Planet

4

We've all heard about global warming and it's causes and effects on the environment, but how many of us have done anything about it or even know what we can do about it?

What is global warming? It is an increase in the world's temperatures, believed to be caused in part by the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface as a result of atmospheric pollution by gases. It is now feared that the warming effects are being undesirably increased, causing climate changes and melting polar icecaps.

Many chemical compounds found in the Earth’s atmosphere act as “greenhouse gases.” These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely. When sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface, some of it is reflected back towards space as infrared radiation (heat). Greenhouse gases absorb this infrared radiation and trap the heat in the atmosphere. Over time, the amount of energy sent from the sun to the Earth’s surface should be about the same as the amount of energy radiated back into space, leaving the temperature of the Earth’s surface roughly constant.

Rising temperatures may, in turn, produce changes in weather, sea levels, and land use patterns, commonly referred to as “climate change.”

The effects of global warming can be found here http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-effects/

Here are a few simple ways we can slow down global warming.

Here are a few simple ways we can slow down global warming.

Learn 5 ways to transform your living space into a green dorm this fall.

Compact living in a dorm room

Get Some Organic Bedding The first thing you can do is shop around for some eco-friendly bedding, such as sheets and duvet covers made from hand crafted organic cotton and other natural and recycled fibers. My personal favorite store featuring “green” bedding is West Elm, but there are other stores on the web and in the mall that should be able to accommodate your needs. Organic bedding is also great for allergy sufferers since they aren’t processed with harsh chemicals. However, since it’s understandable that some eco-friendly bed sets might be out of your price range (they can get a tad bit steep), another alternative you have is to buy a gently used bed set from a thrift store or garage sale. You’ll help the environment and save a bundle of money too.

While most dorm rooms are pre-furnished anyway, if you’re looking to add a couch or an extra chair, always aim for used as well. If you go to a quaint resale shop or thrift store, you might just be able to find a unique and super cool piece of furniture. But don’t forget about other sources that offer gently used and DIY goods as well like Freecycle and Etsy.

Add Some “Decorative” Greenery Adding some real “greenery” into your living space can make your room look livelier as well as help remove air pollutants and other toxins that can make you sick in your room. That’s