We are all aware of the harmful effects of global warming, but there can be many ways to prevent global warming. Although we can’t prevent global warming completely, we can sure help to reduce the intensity of the future effects of global warming.

Here are some steps that we can take in our daily lives to prevent global warming effects.

• Use transportation only for travelling to far off areas. Try walking for short journeys or using a bicycle more frequently.
• Share transportation and do car-pooling whenever possible.
• Drive in the correct gear to reduce fuel usage. Keep all windows shut on warm days if you have air conditioning to maximize fuel efficiency.
• Consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle when looking for a new car.

Winter season can upset your budget due to high cost of heat and utilities. However, it is possible to save energy and money by following these simple methods.

1. Stock your refrigerator and freezer properly. Adequate air flow is required for a refrigerator and freezer to operate efficiently. Without adequate air flow, the refrigerator works harder to keep cool. Don’t overstock your freezer and you will save money on energy costs. Turn the temperature setting to the lowest where you can still maintain the freshness and safety of food.

2. Use a toaster oven or microwave instead of the oven. It is possible to cook delicious winter meals in a crock pot. These appliances generally consume less energy as compared to the oven, resulting in lesser cost.

3. Keep the curtains and blinds open, letting in the sunshine instead of using lights. This way you can enjoy the natural energy provided by the sun and your home will also be a bit warmer and, enabling you to save money. Also keep the curtains and blinds close at night to insulate from the cold weather.

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The general idea we all have about installing solar panels is that they are very expensive and due to that, unaffordable although they do offer long term benefits, but putting in $20,000 to $30,000 in cash upfront to install a solar system on the roof of your home is not an easy thing to do.

However, the good news is that many Bay Area solar companies that include Akeena Solar, SolarCity, Sungevity and SunRun, are in the process of starting new business models through creative financing mechanisms to make rooftop solar more affordable.

Most of the local and state governments, including Washington, are willing to help. The White House is already busy promoting a new form of financing generically known as PACE, or Property Assessed Clean Energy, which allows private property owners to pay for renewable projects like solar and energy efficiency upgrades through an addition to their property tax bill.

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Power from the sun is an unlimited resource, and most importantly, it causes no harm to the environment, and is free. This has made homeowners to consider alternative ways to heat and power their homes, using this free source of energy.

The best thing about it is that it is not necessary that the home should be newly constructed to take advantage of the sun’s rays; pre-existing homes can utilize solar power, as well. Here is how:

1. Make a plan of how much you are willing to spend in order to convert your pre-existing home to solar power. You should consider your financial resources and the maximum amount of money that you can afford, but do keep in mind that although the initial installation of equipment can be costly, but it will pay off big in the end.

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The Wyoming State Energy Office has acquired more than $2.2 million of federal money giving homeowners new incentives to install renewable energy systems.

The money will be used to help homeowners reduce the costs of solar, wind and ground renewable source energy installation. If the applicant is successful, the homeowner will be able to get up to $10,000 or 50% of the costs, depending on the size of the project.

More than 400 applications are expected to apply, out of which the successful ones will be decided upon a first-come, first-served basis. Projects that are already completed or under contract aren’t eligible.

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The world’s first organization for green electricity, ecotricity, has decided to offer green gas to UK householders for the first time.

The company will be generating the energy using a mixture of green and traditional ‘brown’ sources.

The company has stated that the residents will not have to pay any additional costs for the green fuel. Moreover, it also aims to match British Gas’ standard gas and dual-fuel charges for each area.

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