Note:  Please contribute your ideas by clicking on the post and adding your comments.  I’ll parse the results and post the best suggestions!

It takes a decade to get oil from new reserves into your gas tank.  Similarly, nuclear power plants cannot be constructed in months or even just a few years.  Rather than fretting about those numbers, it’s time to act!  Please feel free to add your suggestions by viewing the complete post.

Image courtesy of MiniUSA

Here are ten things you can do now to help protect your future and the future of your children and grandchildren:

• Learn to dress correctly for your climate.  In winter, an extra layer of clothing can allow you to drop the thermostat 10 degrees without any loss of comfort.  Come summer, wear clothing that wicks perspiration away from your skin to keep you cool
• Replace your central AC or furnace with modern, more efficient models
• Avoid using space heaters
• Urge local politicians to change zoning laws to allow smaller home and lot sizes
• Urge local politicians to expand bike trails
• Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescents
• If purchasing a new vehicle, ask yourself how much car or truck you really need
• If not, keep your vehicle properly maintained.  When changing oil, use one of the new 0w30 synthetics.  Replace air and fuel filters religiously, and keep your car clean and waxed to protect the finish and reduce drag.  Keep tires properly inflated
• Resist the urge to purchase large screen televisions
• Replace your tank water heater with a tankless unit