Change habits to help fight climate change

I am writing in regards to Lee Knohl's recent letter on July 16. One of my concerns with climate change is solely relying on government to do something. Those who are concerned about this issue can educate others and practice carbon reduction in our daily lives.

Some items to consider: Watch our thermostat settings - lower in winter and higher for the air conditioning. I noted while visiting my daughter in Paris one winter that the mall stores were pretty chilly. Everyone wore their coats and adapted.

Limit idling of cars. Idling isn't good for the car's engine, wastes energy and in the case of gasoline fuel adds to carbon emissions.

Do we really need remote starters? Articles state that the best way to warm up our cars in winter is to drive them. No need to warm them up for more than 30 seconds. Sure the cars get pretty hot in the summer but opening the car windows for a minute helps before driving away. I have noticed numerous cars in parking lots recently with running engines.

If able, consider shoveling some of the lighter snow instead of using a snowblower.

Rake leaves instead of using a leaf blower.

These habits alone won't solve the problem but it will help. We all contribute to carbon emissions each day so if we are concerned, we should try to reduce where we can.

Patrice Basso

Naperville