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Scientists, governments, and industries are addressing the urgent global problem of the 21st century: climate change. But I wondered what I could do as an individual to reduce my own impact on greenhouse gasses, pollution, carbon footprint—and to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.

I read a report by U of M climate scientist Jonathan Overpeck, who serves on Gov. Whitmer’s Council on Climate Solutions, and various other articles and papers, and I achieved enlightenment! There are clear steps to take toward slowing this very serious climate crisis. Perhaps other Northern Express readers will be interested.

Some tips: Save energy by turning up your home thermostat up 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the winter. Switch to LED light bulbs and energyefficient electric appliances. Wash laundry in cold water; hang it up to dry. Replace gas furnaces with an electric heat pump. Consider renewable power sources like wind or solar. Turn off your computer and unplug chargers overnight.

Reduce car trips, carpool when possible, fly less and instead meet via Zoom. Consider train or bus travel or riding a bike (e-bikes are fun!). Consider an electric or hybrid vehicle (though many still run on electricity from fossil fuels and use batteries and engines requiring rare earth minerals, which come with high environmental and social costs).

Reuse, repair, recycle, eat less beef, buy only the food you’ll use, plant native trees! Do these things until the planet has a cheap, sustainable energy source.

Jan A. Miller | Benzonia

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