The recent floodings in Canada and around the world are clear signs of the global warming phenomena the scientist been warning us about. Global warming is shifting rainfall patterns, making heavy rain more frequent in many areas of the country. 

Unless we take immediate action to reduce global warming emissions, these impacts will continue to intensify, grow ever more costly and damaging, and increasingly affect the entire planet — including you, your community, and your family. 

The environment we live in is important and we all have to do our best to protect it. Being eco-friendly doesn't require going solar or growing all your own food. A few simple changes in our lifestyle can go a long way to combat both high energy bills and global warming. 

1. Plant a tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

2. Change a light bulb
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

3. Walk, bike, carpool or take the transit
You’ll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don’t drive. If you must drive, keep your car tires inflated properly to improve gas mileage. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

4. Recycle 
You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.

5. Use less hot water
It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water by installing a low-flow showerhead and save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, and washing your clothes in cold or warm water can save 500 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
 
6. Pay attention to packaging
You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%. Always remember to bring reusable bags with you when you go shopping. Keep handy a reusable bag that crunches into a small pouch. 

7. Buy products locally and reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to your store. The consumable products we all purchase represent over half of the average family’s carbon footprint.

8. Adjust your thermostat
Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs. This could save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

9. Turn off electronic devices
Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer, when you’re not using them, will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

10. Spread the word
Acting individually is not enough to solve the global warming problem. We must bring pressure on power holders and decision makers in government to promptly and decisively act on the national and international levels to curb greenhouse gas emissions.