The depletion of energy reserves has been highlighted once again as people throughout the world have been affected in some way. It might be that car gas priced might be at an all time high in developed nations or a lack or absence of energy in developing or third world countries. Gas prices recently reach an unprecedented $6 a gallon. Is this just the tip of the iceberg ?

Are we are rapidly exhausting our earth’s non-renewable resources like coal, uranium and natural gas and doing great harm to the environment as a result ? Have you been wondering about what you can do as a single individual to reduce global warming and the drain on the world’s resources?

Often as individuals we feel powerless to do anything, thinking that nothing we do could ever possibly make a difference. If you believe that then remember that we as a collective, together have all contributed in some way to our global crisis which means that we can also by our collective efforts make significant changes for the positive. There is plenty you can do to make a positive impact on reducing climate aberrations, food shortages, forest destruction, pollution etc. in the long term, by making just a few lifestyle changes.

Let’s take a look at what you can do today.

1). Check the news online: Think about the millions of trees that die everyday for you to get your morning newspaper. You can reduce this wanton destruction of trees by canceling all your newspaper subscriptions and going for an online subscription. You get your daily dose of news and a few trees are spared.

2). Transportation: Think about all the gas-guzzlers that we drive every day belching out carbon dioxide while consuming insane amounts of fuel. Consider adopting healthier and more environment-friendly alternatives. Carpooling has really caught on in some places. Use your most fuel-efficient vehicle to carpool several times a week or just use buses to get around sometimes. Walking or cycling even once a week has a big impact.

3). Reduce AC usage: Only use air conditioning in your car if you absolutely must. At speeds of under 40 mph you burn less fuel if you have the windows down. At speeds exceeding 45 mph the AC burns less fuel as windows down tend to create extra drag burning more fuel. Please don’t refrain from using the AC if the weather requires it, you are the best judge of your situation, drive to the conditions.

4). Drive happy: Believe it or not but being aggravated or stressed can cause you to suffer from heavy footedness and burn up to a whopping 50% more fuel than driving in a calm state of mind. This is an example of when driving angry can penalize you financially not to mention affect your health. I know this can be a big ask especially with our stressful lifestyles but try listening to relaxing music while you drive. Be aware of your moods, try to catch yourself before your stress levels get too elevated and focus on your breathing by taking deep breaths.

5). Recycle, Recycle: Recycling has become the slogan of our times and with good reason. Most plastics are non-biodegradable, which basically means that you are throwing out junk everyday that the environment simply cannot cope with. Try to avoid using plastics on a daily basis and use paper bags when you go shopping. If you can’t avoid using plastics then recycle and reuse as much as you can.

6). Plant trees: Did you know that a single tree can breathe in around one ton of carbon dioxide throughout its lifetime? Try planting at least one tree in your lifetime. It’s amazing how few of us do something that significant even though it’s so easy.

7). Boycott harmful products: Use more ‘green’ products and ‘green’ technologies. Don’t support the guys who are wreaking havoc on our planet by continuing to buy their environmentally harmful products.

8). Teach your kids: You can help your kids inherit a cleaner, healthier planet by educating them from the start. Begin by teaching your kids to conserve power and resources and also let them know the dire consequences of not taking care of the environment.