Against climate change

That the climate change is a reality is something that by now is undeniable. Great part of responsibility it must be attributed to human and harmful activity on the environment. From the deforestation from forests to excessive gas emissions that cause Greenhouse, including the famous CO2.

Purchase awareness Regarding the importance of reducing emissions and practicing sustainability, it seems to me above all an ethical question, but also one of survival. For years there has been a lot of talk about renewable energy, which do not produce greenhouse gases or other types of emissions, unlike the Fossil fuels. It is a fairly complex issue due to the interconnection of the economy and the transformations to be carried out, but it is time for all sectors to change the chip and look to the future in another way, forgetting the old recipes.

Inspired by the idea of ​​awareness because it is the beginning of everything. The Kyoto Protocol It seems to me a fundamental agreement, but it is only a principle and its measures have to be implemented. For this, the use of gasoline must be replaced in the transport, as well as making the energy of families and industry is much more reasonable and in sustainable terms. It seems important to me to point out the example of wind power in Spain, being the world's second largest producer of this type of energy. The Spanish energy plan foresees generating 30% of its energy from renewable energy, coming from half of the wind sector.

In the sector of urbanism and dwelling It is also vital to face the challenges that arise, posing balanced proposals, efficient y respectful at all levels. The spaces where we live have to provide a sustainable wellness, and in this sense the energy savings It seems to me one of the central points.

For this, all citizens must get involved, starting with administrations, architects, developers and builders, but also each one of us individually in the day-to-day life of our homes.

Next we will give some useful tips, which we should take into account in the domestic sphere to save energy and reduce our consumption.

To save water:

Take a shower instead of a bath. Turn off the tap while you lather, scrub or brush your teeth.

Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket, since we can use up to 10 liters of water uselessly.

Use the mixer tap, which can also have a flow limiter (to save water) and a temperature regulator (to save energy).

Incorporates a voluntary flush interruption system into the toilet.

Avoid leaking taps.

Fill your dishwasher and washing machine before running.

Use flow reducers in toilet and shower pipes to avoid excess consumption.

Buy appliances with a European eco-label, which certifies its energy and ecological efficiency criteria.

Use sprinkler, drip, or ooze irrigation in the garden to avoid waste.

Water at night to avoid rapid evaporation.

Reduce grass areas, replacing them with aesthetic upholstery plants, trees, shrubs, stones or gravel to reduce water loss through evaporation.

To save energy:

Heating and insulation:

Use, whenever possible, double glazing for convenient thermal insulation, which will allow us to save on heating and air conditioning.

In summer, close the windows and draw the blinds in the middle of the day and open them when the sun goes down.

Do not lower the air conditioning temperature below 24º whenever possible.

Clean the filters or replace them periodically, as well as the drain pan.

It is essential not to open the windows with the heating or air conditioning on.

Install a thermostat in the heating and regulate it for a temperature of no more than 20º C in winter. Remember that for each additional degree we will spend approximately 5% more energy.

Periodically checking the condition of the boiler will increase its duration and efficiency.

Turning off the heating or air conditioning when we are not in the room or leaving the house will help us save energy.

Place the air conditioner in a shady place, by placing it in the sun its consumption will be greater.

Home appliances:

Limit the consumption of appliances when they are turned off. We refer to those who stay with the pilot on, televisions, mini-systems, etc. We must also unplug mobile chargers or music players when they have finished their function. These small permanent consumptions can lead to a large consumption at the end of the year.

Take into account the energy labeling of appliances, those with the letters A, B and C are the ones that consume the least.

Use the electrical appliances preferably at night, since the energy demand is lower.

Wash cold or at low temperature and use first of all the wash cycles of 30º to 40º.

Clean the filters of the washing machine periodically, limiting the use of the prewash to very dirty clothes.

Filling the washing machine and using inexpensive programs, as well as using the dosage of detergent recommended by the manufacturer will be of great help.

Keep a minimum distance between the refrigerator and the wall.

Avoid keeping the refrigerator door open for a long time. We will save up to 5% energy.

Thaw when the ice layer exceeds 5 mm.

Lighting:

Take advantage of the sunlight.

Turn off the lights when leaving the rooms.

Use energy saving light bulbs, which will soon be mandatory (they consume 80% less and last 8 times longer).

Fluorescent tubes are also preferable to traditional light bulbs.

Finally, let us remember that the fight against climate change is everyone's job and we must carry it out in all areas. Also in our homes, with intelligent, efficient and reasonable consumption, which will help the environment locally and globally, in addition to benefiting our pockets.

This post belongs to the "100 posts on climate change" action.