Climate Change and Skiing

There are lots of things we can do now to help curb global warming and climate change. Anything that saves energy will reduce greenhouse gas emissions thereby lessoning their impact on the environment.

* Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Not only will you be saving the energy required to produce more products, you will be reducing landfill and therefore reducing production of the greenhouse gas methane.

Choose reusable products instead of disposables. Buy products with minimal packaging and/or economy sizes and bring your own shopping bags. Recycle plastic, paper, glass and aluminum cans.

Making a new aluminium can from scratch takes 95% more energy than making a can from recycled aluminum.

* Leave the Car at Home: Walk, Cycle or Use Public Transport. Not only will you be fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, you will be keeping fit for skiing.

* Use the "Off" Switch: Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember not to leave your appliances on standby. It is best to turn them off at the power point.

* Purchase energy efficient appliances: Choose the highest energy-efficient star-rating and use compact fluorescent lights. When it's time to buy a new car, choose one that's energy efficient.

* Use Less Hot Water: Wash clothes in cold water, fit water-efficient taps and shower head, install a solar water heater, take shorter showers or shower with a friend.

* Dress for the Weather: And turn down the heating or cooling. Make sure your house or lodge is also dressed for the weather by installing insulation, adding weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors and opening windows in summer.

* Plant a Tree: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. A single tree will absorb approximately one tonne of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

* Support Green Organisations: Support organisations, businesses and political parties who actively help the environment.

* Spread the Word: Learn more about climate change so you can talk to people about it. Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, fellow skiers and co-workers, and lead change at your workplace or business.