Shanghai Expo awash in world of low carbon
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In a world where unchecked carbon emissions could lead to the destruction of our planet, to reduce even a ton of carbon dioxide is our responsibility and contribution to the Earth.
A low carbon lifestyle is an attitude and a habit. Living a green life does not mean lowering our living standards.
The author is the manager of the Climate Change and Energy Project, Greenpeace China.
Tips on How to Lead a Low-carbon Life
What we can do
1. Start by using energy-saving light bulbs. The light provided by an 11-watt energy-saving bulb is the same as that of a regular 60-watt bulb, but the 11-watt bulb uses far less power. If 1.2 billion of these bulbs were used nationwide for only four hours every day, China would save an amount of power each year equivalent to the annual output of the Three Gorges Hydropower Station.
2. Paper-free office, pay online. Try to complete office work without using paper, and pay your bills through online bank. You can use real-time communication tools like email instead of writing memos, saving not only paper, but also reducing energy used in producing and transporting paper.
3. Use both sides of the paper if you're printing or making copies. This is an effective way to slash paper expenditures, reduce the demand for paper and therefore reduce carbon emissions.
4. Use public transportation. Don't travel by air if you can go by train; don't drive a car if you can take the bus or subway. Planes produce 20 times more carbon emissions than trains when covering the same distance. Cars of large displacement produce eight times more carbon emissions than that of public buses.
5. Air-conditioners use massive amounts of electricity if they're turned on all the time. Try to refrain from using your air-conditioner too often. When you do use it, set it to operate at or below 26 degrees Centigrade in summer and 20 degrees in winter. This will greatly cut down your overall electricity consumption and prevent you from catching a cold because of a big temperature difference.
6. Buy and drive a low-emission vehicle. They are fuel-efficient, compact and easy to drive, and perform just as well as regular vehicles. In addition, it's equally important to nurture a good habit of driving.
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