The shoemaker’s son always goes barefoot.

I don’t understand why people are not bothered with the ongoing climate changes and their effects on our world. I am amazed by the ease with which teachers make photocopies and print things on paper all day long at school. And I keep asking them: “use the back of the sheet, at least!” but they don’t listen to me.

Even the ceramic mug I used to keep in my cabinet has disappeared. I started bringing a small bottle from home. I won’t give up. I will start a campaign to promote the use of our own cups and mugs. We use dozens of disposable cups every day to drink water and coffee. Can’t they feel the hell-like heat that is already scorching us?

What can you do to reduce global warming?

Although some climate changes are already noticeable, all of us can do something to help decrease carbon emissions. For example: at home, we can switch to a greener type of energy, using light bulbs that can consume up to 80% less electricity and that last 12 times longer than the regular ones. Turning off lights when we leave a room and turning off electronic devices in stand-by mode is good not only for the environment but also for our wallets.

Adjusting the thermostat for your central heating by lowering the temperature by only one degree can cut energy consumption by up to 10 percent. When you replace electronic devices, make sure to buy the most energy-efficient model.

Reusing or recycling paper, cardboard boxes, bottles, cans and plastic packing is a responsible and caring attitude to take towards future generations—our little Princes and Princesses deserve this attention as well as a more sustainable world. Reusing the water from the baby’s bath in the toilet, and the laundry water from washing machines for doing other household chores is another way to make a contribution.

Whenever you can, try walking or biking or using public transportation instead of driving. If you need to travel by car, try sharing the ride. I’ve been doing it when I go out with my girlfriends and also when I travel with someone. If you are replacing your car, consider buying a “greener” model or downgrading to a smaller, more fuel-efficient model. This is what I plan to do when I buy my next car, because I still cannot live without one. Emptying your trunk by taking out anything that isn’t necessary can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.

Try to cut down on your air travel and, when you do fly, consider offsetting your carbon emissions. How about planting trees? On the Click árvore website, for each click, a new tree is planted in the Atlantic Rainforest. It’s easy and quick.

Anyway, there are many easy, simple, necessary and sensible things that we can and should do. Why not start making our contribution right now?

Image: from here.

The Greenpeace tour has started and the Arctic Sunrise ship has already been to Manaus, Belem and Fortaleza and received over 8,000 visitors. Today, February 14, the ship is in Recife and will soon be in Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, and Santos.

During the World Social Forum and at the guests-only events—guests like Carlos Minc, Minister of the Environment—held on board the boat, Greenpeace activists talked about the importance of the oceans, of investing in renewable energies and of conserving nature in order to curb global warming.

Follow the Arctic’s stops at Brazilian cities.

And participate in this campaign by signing a petition that urges President Lula to adopt effective measures to save the climate.

Next stops:
* Recife - February 14 and 15
* Salvador - March 7 and 8
* Rio de Janeiro - March 21 and 22
* Santos - March 28 and 29

Image: from here.
Source: http://www.greenpeace.org/brasil

Read this post at the Sturm Und Drang blog: Salve the Planet. Participate.