The way that gas prices are on the rise at the moment should really be the least of our fears, because the gravest concern that has come to threaten our planet this century is how the environment is under attack. It doesn’t matter what your background is or even if you are rich or not, we will all have to suffer together regardless. Recent studies have revealed that literally millions of people over the next 40 years shall die due to environment changes from rising cases of skin cancer, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.

You need to be aware of your own personal carbon footprint, which refers to the impact you have on the environment - both positive and negative - and make choices that are good for the earth instead of detrimental. For example, if you plant a tree a day, you’ll offset about 720 kg of carbon over the tree’s life. But if you take a plane from San Francisco to Los Angeles, you’ll put almost 800 kg of carbon back into the environment, which definitely isn’t good.

The average American creates about 22 tons of CO2 each year, which is quite an achievement if you compare it to the rest of the world, who still produce about 6 tons per person, which is still way too much. I am not saying that you have to go around on a push bike, but there really are things you can do to reduce your own personal carbon footprint: -

Tip #1: Go local. Virtually everything we buy has a “carbon cost” connected to is based on things like transportation distance and the amount of energy that goes into manufacturing. Try to buy locally made products and produce. According to a 2001 U.S. Department of Agriculture study, most fruits and vegetables are shipped 1500 miles or more from farm to kitchen, which is incredible wasteful, and more than a little ironic if you are trying to do the right thing by buying organic .

Tip #2: Dress appropriately. When I say appropriately, I don’t mean what to wear if we are going out to the theater. I mean in our own home. Just adjust your thermostat according to the season and wear less or more clothing as the case might be. This is not a lot to ask of anybody and you could even help in contributing 2,000 pounds of co2 less each year into our fragile environment. You will also feel the difference in your pocket as high savings in energy costs are guaranteed. But the main reason for doing this is to help our environment get back on track, so don’t forget it.

Tip #3: Replace old technology. If every home in America replaced just 3 light bulbs with energy-efficient CFLs, they would save $60 a year and collectively as a planet we would keep a trillion pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere. Upgrade appliances and computers to those that are Energy Star rated, and turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Tip #4: Keep it clean. A poorly maintained car can add to global warming 500% more than a normal vehicle, and it costs money too. Keep air and fuel filters clean, replace fouled spark plugs and injectors, and get regular tune ups. And shop locally when you do drive, not at a discount store 50 miles away.

Tip #5: Improve gas mileage. Definitely consider driving a hybrid car or installing an alternative energy booster. I would definitely recommend a water fuel car converter being installed into your existing car. This is a fine way to reduce your carbon footprint by half and you will see a 40% reduction in gas mileage.

If we start now, it will be a much better world for all of our children and grandchildren. Everybody on this planet is equally responsible to stop this destruction and if nothing is done, it will all just end in tears.