Greenhouse gases are chemical compounds in the Earth's atmosphere. When sunlight hits the Earth's surface and reflects back towards space, greenhouse gases absorb the rays and trap their heat in the atmosphere. This is what keeps the earth warm and able to sustain life. However, when the amount of greenhouse gases in increased past its natural limit, too much heat is retained, resulting in global warming. Global warming is a serious concern for many scientists, as it affects the earth's climate, and Del Mar is taking various actions to limit it.
The Sustainablity Advisory Board is currently developing a Climate Action Plan which would work with the ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) to inventory the City's greenhouse gas emissions. In August 2010, the City became a member of ICLEI. Membership includes software to inventory greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the most abundant greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere is carbon dioxide. Your "carbon footprint" is the amount of carbon and other greenhouse gases you put into the atmosphere. You can calculate your personal carbon footprint using websites like these:
EPA: Personal Emissions Calculator
See how you can reduce you carbon footprint:
Turn off you engine while you wait in your car (Idling for more than 30 seconds wastes more gas than restarting your engine.)
Purchase goods produced locally (The average American meal travels 1,500 miles. Also, frozen foods require 10 times more energy to produce than locally grown fresh foods.)
Recycle! (Every aluminum can recycled is equivalent to saving 6 ounces of gasoline or 3 hours of TV. Every can makes a difference.) (California Center for Sustainable Energy)
Drink water from the tap, and don't use bottled water
Reuse/refill/carry your own water bottles instead of using a new one every time. Then recycle them once you are finished with it
Print double sided
Unplug your cell phone/iPod charger when not charging you phone/iPod
Carpool
Ride your bike
Turn off the lights when you leave a room
Replace lights bulbs with energy efficient ones
Select foods with less packaging
Choose foods that are locally and organically grown when possible
Eat more fresh food and less frozen food
Eat less meat and more fruits and vegetables
Wear lighter clothes instead of turning on the air conditioning; wear warmer clothes instead of turning on the heater
Take shorter showers
Use sleep mode, not a screensaver, on your computer
Take Action To Keep The Planet Cool
Cool California - Join millions of Californians already working to solve Global Warming and keep California Cool. http://coolcalifornia.org/