Ways to Overcome Global Warming

by Chew Pek Kuan

To overcome the global warming, efforts are needed to reduce the temperature in the EARTH. One of the solutions is to encourage people to practise 3R. 3R stands for “reduce”, “reuse”, and “recycle”. The easiest way is to switch ordinary rubbish bins into 3 colored recycle bins. Students should be educated with awareness programs on this because they are the ones who are quick to absorb new learning and they generally have a more welcoming mentality. The students’ family members, be it parents or relatives, should then learn from them in practicing the 3Rs.

“Reduce” is to reduce the usage of appliances or things that might cause or increase global warming. Technology wise, we should stop using all the old, energy-consuming technologies to newer ones which can help reduce and save energy. Appliances using the old technology such as kettle, refrigerator, and iron can produce heat above average. Another means of reducing mean for the reduction in the usage of water – in washing and cooking. Instead of washing cars with a new flow of water, use collected rain water. Reduce the usage of energy by making it a habit to turn off the electricity when it is not being used.

“Reuse” means to repeatedly use older and reusable goods in other functions to reduce waste (Think Quest, n.d.). This includes reusing the water that is used to wash vegetables to wash the floors or to wash the drain. Paper bags can be used to make attractive notebook covers. Clothing that is no longer appropriate for wearing purposes can be used as rags to clean household appliances and furniture.

“Recycling” is probably the most well-known 3R practice among the three. Newspapers which are no longer of need for reading should be recycled; glass bottles which are empty should also be recycled.

Aside from 3R, planting is another good deed to help the earth. Trees and plants are natural creatures to help take in carbon dioxide and change it into oxygen. Global warming is spreading fast because of the enormous amount of carbon dioxide. Illegal deforestation is also on the rise, and carbon dioxide just keeps going up. Carbon dioxide must be reduced, fast! Hence, plant more trees!

References:

Think Quest. (n.d.). The Three Rs. Retrieved June 20, 2011, from Think Quest: http://library.thinkquest.org/C0111401/3R.htm