Reading Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection Program
Reading Neighbors' Climate and Energy Campaign (Reading NCEC)
[Home] [Green Sense] [FAQs] [Links]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Global warming refers to the increases in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans that has been observed in recent decades. The scientific opinion on climate change is that the average global temperature has risen 0.6 ± 0.2 °C over the 20th century, and that it is likely that "most of the warming observed over the past 50 years is attributable to human activities". The increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing and agriculture, and other human activities, are the primary sources of the human-induced component of warming.
Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming
2) What can I do to help minimize Global Warming?
We in the developed world have a large environmental footprint. We use far more of the world's resources than we produce. "If everybody lived like today's North Americans, it would take at least two additional planet Earths to product the resources, absorb the wastes, and otherwise maintain life-support2."
"Our country (the U.S.) is responsible for a lopsided share of the total consumption of key products and materials. We use one-third of the world's paper, despite representing just 5 percent of the world's population. Similarly, we use 25 percent of the oil, 23 percent of the coal, 27 percent of the aluminum, and 19 percent of the copper1".
There are some simple steps you can take to minimize your environmental footprint and reduce your wastes, including green house gases. The biggest impact you can have is in the areas of Transportation, Energy and Food Related Issues. Follow the link below to our 1-2-3 Pledge to learn more.
1: The Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices. Practical Advice from The Union of Concerned Scientists. Copyright 1999. Page 4-5, 85.
2: Our Ecological Footprint. Mathis Wackernagel & William Rees. Copyright 1996. Figure 1.6, pg 15.
4) How does gas mileage relate to CO2 emissions?
Through the inverse relationship: constant/(gas mileage). The constant (245981) represents conversion factors and values for assumptions made about miles per day, days per week, etc. See the chart below.
Conversions & Values 2360 grams CO2/liter gas 99.78 gallon/lb per liter/gram 5 days/week 52 weeks/year 40 miles/day Gas Mileage pounds CO2 emitted 15 16399 20 12299 25 9839 30 8199 35 7028 40 6150 45 5466 50 4920 55 4472
5) What's harmful about carbon dioxide emissions, CO2?
It's not so much that carbon dioxide is harmful. It's that too much carbon dioxide is harmful.
What are green house gases?
Many chemical compounds found in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, act as “greenhouse gases.” These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely but trap the heat in the atmosphere. Over time, the amount of energy sent from the sun to the Earth’s surface should be about the same as the amount of energy radiated back into space, leaving the temperature of the Earth’s surface roughly constant.
Many gases exhibit these “greenhouse” properties. Some of them occur in nature (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide), while others are exclusively human-made (like gases used for aerosols).
Why are atmospheric levels increasing?
Levels of several important greenhouse gases have increased by about 25 percent since large-scale industrialization began around 150 years ago. During the past 20 years, about three-quarters of human-made carbon dioxide emissions were from burning fossil fuels.
Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are naturally regulated The movement of carbon between the atmosphere and the land and oceans is dominated by natural processes, such as plant photosynthesis. While these natural processes can absorb some of the net 6.1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions produced each year, an estimated 3.2 billion metric tons is added to the atmosphere annually. The Earth’s positive imbalance between emissions and absorption results in the continuing growth in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What effect do green house gases have on climate change?
Given the natural variability of the Earth’s climate, it is difficult to determine the extent of change that humans cause. In computer-based models, rising concentrations of greenhouse gases generally produce an increase in the average temperature of the Earth. Rising temperatures may, in turn, produce changes in weather, sea levels, and land use patterns, commonly referred to as “climate change.”
Assessments generally suggest that the Earth’s climate has warmed over the past century and that human activity affecting the atmosphere is likely an important driving factor. A National Research Council study dated May 2001 stated, “Greenhouse gases are accumulating in Earth’s atmosphere as a result of human activities, causing surface air temperatures and sub-surface ocean temperatures to rise. Temperatures are, in fact, rising. The changes observed over the last several decades are likely mostly due to human activities, but we cannot rule out that some significant part of these changes is also a reflection of natural variability.”
However, there is uncertainty in how the climate system varies naturally and reacts to emissions of greenhouse gases. Making progress in reducing uncertainties in projections of future climate will require better awareness and understanding of the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the behavior of the climate system.
The above text was abreviated from: Energy Information Administration, Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government, Green House Gases Program, Green House Gases, Climate Change and Energy: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggccebro/chapter1.html
There are 4 area's in which a CFL is not to be used unless specifically stated on the package -- use on a dimmer, an enclosed application, on a timer or exposure to inclement weather.1
Dimmer:
Using a dimmer with a CF can cause a fire! Never use a non-dimmable fluorescent in a circuit with a dimmer, even at full brightness. There are several CFs currently available which are compatible with household incandescent dimmers, so read the package carefully.1
Enclosed Application:
Compact fluorescent light bulbs may generally be used in enclosed fixtures as long as the enclosed fixture is not recessed. Totally enclosed recessed fixtures (for example, a ceiling can light with a cover over the bulb) create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of a compact fluorescent bulb.2
Many CFLs can be used outdoors in an enclosed fixture. Check the lamp or package to make sure it is approved for outdoor use, and verify the lowest operating temperature for the area where the product is being used. If the lamp or package does not state it can be used outdoors, then it is not approved for outdoor use, even in an enclosed fixture.2
Timers:
Mechanical timers are fine with any compact fluorescent, but many electronic timers will get into a harmonics war with electronically ballasted CFs, and either the timer or the lamp will die in battle. If you use an electronic timer, use a magnetically ballasted CF.1
Inclement Weather
Motion sensors are not generally used with fluorescents because the frequent on/off switching will shorten the lamp life, and because in cold weather outdoor CFs will not provide full light levels until they warm up. Inexpensive magnetic-ballast PL-tube CFs can be used for these on/off outdoor applications, but they may need an enclosed fixture to provide enough light in sub-freezing weather. (The lumen output of fluorescents is quite temperature dependent.) Some electronic-ballast indoor fluorescents will work fine outdoors, but you probably can't use them economically with a motion sensor control.1
1) Sylvania Lighting Controls and Compact Fluorescent Lamps. All Oikos pages copyright 1996 - 2006
2) GE Consumer and Industrial Lighting FAQ CFL http://www.gelighting.com/na/business_lighting/faqs/cfl.htm
7) What wattage compact fluorescent bulb should I use to replace my incandescent bulb?
Size your new bulb by dividing your existing incandescent watt bulb by 4.
For example: 60 watt incandescent divided by 4 = 15 watt CFL.
8) How can I purchase a compost bin for my household waste?
From the Reading Department of Public Works: 781-942-9077
The bins are $25.00 payable at the Town Hall (Public Works Department) and can be picked up at the Public Works Garage.1
This unique design is constructed from 100% post consumer recycled plastic. They assemble in ten minutes without the need of tools. The design provides for efficient and odorless composting of grass clippings, leaves, and vegetable waste to 2/3 of original volume in just 30 days. These bins will hold over a yard of compostable material and come with a five-year warranty. 1
1) Reading Notes. A Monthly Newsletter, May 2006: http://www.ci.reading.ma.us/general/news.htm
9) Does the EPA recommend the use of CFLs?
Yes. CFLs, when compared with standard incandescent bulbs, offer many benefits. First, they help save energy and money. They use 2/3 less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs, and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a 13-watt CFL can save you at least $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. Second, CFLs offer convenience, because they last longer, and come in different sizes and shapes to fit almost any fixture. In addition, CFLs produce about 70% less heat than standard incandescent bulbs, so they're safer to operate and can help cut energy costs associated with home cooling. When shopping, always look for ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs.
Source: EPA ENERGY STAR: http://www.energystar.gov/
10) Is it true that CFLs contain mercury? Why and how much?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - an average of 5 milligrams (roughly equivalent to the tip of a ball-point pen). Mercury is an essential, irreplaceable element in CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. By comparison, older home thermometers contain 500 milligrams of mercury and many manual thermostats contain up to 3000 milligrams. It would take between 100 and 600 CFLs to equal those amounts. There is currently no substitute for mercury in CFLs; however, manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products over the past decade.
Source: EPA ENERGY STAR: http://www.energystar.gov/
11) How do I safely dispose of my fluorescent bulbs?
Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLs should be disposed of properly. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist.
The Town of Reading offers disposal of fluorescent bulbs at the DPW garage off of Walkers Brook Drive on New Crossing Road in Reading, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Information and directions on disposal of these lights are written on all containers when purchased.
See also the following link for an article called 'Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)' from the EPA:
http://www.nema.org/lamprecycle/epafactsheet-cfl.pdfSource: RMLD: http://www.rmld.com/
EPA ENERGY STAR: http://www.energystar.gov/
12) What should I do if a CFL breaks?
Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break and it's cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines:
1. * Sweep up-don't vacuum-all of the glass fragments and fine particles. 2. * Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well. 3. * If weather permits, open windows to allow the room to ventilate.
Source: EPA ENERGY STAR: http://www.energystar.gov/
13) What's the difference between air pollution and green house gas emissions?
Air Pollution emissions are toxins that cause immediate human health problems including heart disease, stroke and respiratory problems. The main toxins include carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx).
GHG emissions, mainly CO2, are not toxic but they magnify the Earth’s green house effect causing global warming and climate change with possible catastrophic consequences.
Sources:
American Hearth Association, Air Pollution, Heart Disease and Stroke: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4419
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Air Pollution & Respiratory Health: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/airpollution/
EPA, Green Vehicle Guide: http://www.epa.gov/emissweb/rating.htm
Union of Concerned Scientists, Global Warming: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/
