The average American has recently been fuming about 44,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year into the atmosphere. That's about six times the world average of about 7,000 pounds. And that world average is already way too high. If you believe global warming is a serious problem, then you can see that a rather drastic change in our American lifestyle is necessary. Below, then, are some options for lessening greenhouse gas emissions.

Keep in mind that greenhouse emissions due to indirect use of energy are responsible for about 60 to 70 percent of our total emissions. That's why I've first listed the ideas for reducing indirect use.

To illustrate the importance of indirect use, imagine this scenario: let's say we all become so interested in mitigating global warming, that we begin--every couple years or so--to buy the latest fuel-efficient car, "energy-star" home furnace, and other useful products. And then we find out the greenhouse problem is not getting any better. That's because of our extravagant indirect use of energy, because of our lifestyle of constantly buying new things and junking old things that are still working fine. Our addictive hunger for new products is a big--actually the biggest--part of the problem because there is so much energy that goes into the production, transportation, and marketing of all the new goods we buy. This may come as a surprise to you, but the most direct, effective way that we can address global warming is simply to stop buying so many things.

Reduce indirect use of energy.

Buy second-hand as much as you can.

Buy goods that have been produced closer to home.

Choose foods that have been grown closer to home.

Avoid buying goods that you don't really need, especially new goods; try thinking about how you can solve your material needs with items that you already have in your home.

Try to repair old goods rather than buy new goods, unless the new goods result in long-term energy conservation.

Avoid goods with lots of added packaging.

Use fuel-burning transportation sparingly

Bicycle.

Walk.

Take public transport.

Carpool.

Drive less, fly less, and travel less.

Live closer to work.

Telecommute.

Use an electric vehicle, particularly if you have a green electrical source.

Use a hybrid, motorcycle, scooter, or other fuel-efficient vehicle.

Conserve household electricity and heating fuels.

Use appliances less.

Use hot water less.

Live in a smaller home.

Share your larger home with more people.

Minimize use of indoor heat and air conditioning. Insulate.

Turn your thermostats down (such as for furnace and water heater).

Use timers to minimize or turn off heating when not needed.

When you need to replace appliances, buy energy efficient ones.

Work toward a better society

Lessen the US dependence on imports. Goods that are produced domestically are better because they are shipped shorter distances to the consumer.

Use, invest in, or assist solar, wind, hydro, and other clean sources of energy.

Press local governments and corporations to create policies that encourage shorter work commutes.

Press them also to create easy-to-use public transportation.

Promote travel and leisure activities close to home, rather than far away.

Preserve and expand forests and urban green spaces.

Work for regulations against excess packaging.

Help limit the world population.