Less use of air conditioners would be better for us all

This latter situation is not a problem of new high-tech machines, of course, which operate at a low hum.

They do, however, present a sizable contribution to man-made climate change. Cooling agents such as CFCs and their modern replacements are greenhouse gases with far more global-warming potential than carbon dioxide should they leak into the atmosphere.

There is also the vicious cycle whereby people run their AC units to offset the effects of hot, humid weather, although this increases the likelihood of hot, humid weather.

So for National Turn Off/Down Air Conditioning Day — indeed, for every day — individual citizens can make a real contribution by running their units only when necessary and only to create comfortably cool temperatures, not chilly Arctic ones. Doors and windows should be kept closed whenever possible, and A/C filters should be cleaned often and replaced when necessary.

Other equipment, from the humble light bulb to stereos, computers and televisions should be used only when necessary, since not only do they consume energy themselves — and therefore contribute to greenhouse gas emission — but A/C systems must work even harder to deal with the heat they produce.

These common sense actions relating to air conditioners are just the tip of the iceberg. Individuals can make real savings to their own budgets and to the planet's health in just about every area of their daily lives. Clothes dry just as well hung on a line as thrown in a machine, and locally produced food is just as tasty, and generally much fresher, than imported food.

Eating less meat is not just good for the heart and arteries but, since the methane emitted by meat production accounts for as much global warming as all forms of transportation, also good for the environment. Carbon dioxide produced by cars, trucks and airplanes is just as significant, so walking, cycling, taking public transportation or even carpooling are all positive contributions to reducing the impact of climate change.

All of which is to say that while governments have a major role in finding ways to reduce the onset and impacts of climate change, it is everyone's responsibility to minimize his or her own contribution to the problem.

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