On February 20 a small but enthusiastic audience listened intently to the presentation by Paul Kando, a member of CONA (Citizens Offering New Alternatives) at the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. Kando projected factual information about the effects of excessive use of carbon based fuels by man on the global environment. Without going into great detail, for purposes of this report he gave many illustrations of the effects that global warming has already had on our world, and many examples of further destructive effects that are very likely in the future - unless we do something now. Kando's message was that we can have a positive impact on the slowing of the impact of burning fossil fuels, and we can start now.

At the end of the 45-minute PowerPoint talk, we began to make a list of the kinds of things that we can do at this time, things that will be helpful in slowing global warming.

The audience participated enthusiastically, and the following are some of the suggestions offered by those present:

Probably the most important and effective action a homeowner can do is to have an energy audit.

This can be accomplished locally through the Midcoast Green Collaborative which offers this service (see: www.midcoastgreencollaborati ve . org ).

Alternatively, you might want to conduct one yourself, and you can find guidelines for doing so at the U.S. Department of Energy's web site, and click on "your home." Items likely to need upgrading and insulation include electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames, baseboards, weather stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, and wall or window-mounted air conditioners.

Other suggestions to reduce home use of energy include:

• Use compact florescent bulbs;

• Turn off (and/or unplug) electronic gear when not in use;

• Heat home with wood;

• Heat your home with Heat Zones in mind, that is, rooms used most often in the daytime to be warmer that rooms used less often and infrequently. The warmest room would be at 70 degrees or less. At night, turn you thermostat down at least five degrees.

• Check you water heater. Turn it down to what is comfortable without being cold or too hot. Use an "on demand" water heater.

• Invest in a programmable thermostat.

• Keep doors of unused upstairs rooms shut;

• Wash dishes and clothes in cold water;

• In an outbuilding, heat only selectively. (Can be turned on and off with a remote control switch.);

• Seal off cold rooms with a pad at the bottom of the door;

• Leave warm water in sink or bathtub until it cools;

• Use fans to move heat around the house;

• Lower heat and wear sweaters;

• Buy and use the most efficient car available. In this country that is the Toyota Prius;

• Do not buy and use a big SUV. If you do occasionally need to carry a big load, hook up your trailer to your small car and use it as necessary;

• Consolidate trips in order to drive less;

• If you vehicle is to be stopped for more that 15 seconds for any reason, turn it off. Any longer idling wastes gas.

• Keep tires inflated to the proper level - you will get better gas mileage;

• Don't shop so much. Ask yourself "Do I really need this?"

• About shopping bags: Worst: plastic bags - decline these. Better: paper bags, as they are biodegradable. Best: Sturdy reusable shopping bags, or totes;

• Return plastic bags to the supermarket, as they can be processed for other uses;

For many more practical ways to reduce your "carbon footprint," mark your calendar to attend the Energy Fair at CLC YMCA in Damariscotta on April 18 and 19. There will be many exhibitors and much to learn.

CONA is a local organization which sponsors activities educational activities, especially those related to reducing conflict, improving our world, and finding ways to resolve difficult situations peacefully.