Boo! If you live in the United States and are concerned about global warming, then seeing an increased number of hybrid vehicles on the road, an increased usage of Compact Fluorescent and LED light bulbs or an increased demand for alternative energy may have you thinking (or at least hoping) that our nation's output of global warming emissions is on the decline.

Well, if you are someone who cares about increased rates of asthma and other illnesses, disastrous weather conditions, declining food securities, disappearing ecosystems and their corresponding species...then brace yourself!

A new study reports that world pumped out 6% more global warming emissions in 2010 than it did in 2009. This may not seem like much, but in respect to climate changing gasses...it's disastrous. The United States and China are responsible for more than half of the emissions increase.

And we thought Halloween scares were over!

A the pit of this increase? The burning of coal. Coal not only releases harmful chemicals into our air and waterways and pollutes and destroys mountainous areas, but it's also the biggest contributor of global warming emissions into our atmosphere. Did you know that no matter where you live in the U.S., about one-half of your power is sourced from coal? Meaning, when we leave our computers on overnight or when we leave our DVR's on standy-by all day (have you invested in a smart power strip yet?), 50% of that energy is come from a coal fired plant. And if you're wondering why "clean coal" isn't the answer, this is why.

One of the added benefits of reducing our global emissions is an unlikely source: Our economy. The Blueprint for Clean Energy from the Union of Concerned Scientists illustrates the potential for building $1.7 trillion in net cumulative savings between 2010 and 2030. Do you hear this, Wall Street?

WHAT NOW?

So how can we reduce our demand for coal and consequently, our carbon footprint? Here's a three-step plan from Planet Green that promises to cut your carbon footprint by half...or more!

I'll let Planet Green's three-step plan do its work. But I'd like to quickly address Step 1: Become a Weekday Vegetarian. Why would Planet Green first address an issue that's very close and personal to people and therefore one of the most selfless actions anyone can take?

After coal, the global livestock industry is one of the major contributors (approximately 18% maybe more) of carbon dioxide, methane and other global warming emissions. In addition, water pollution and dead zones are a huge side effect of the pollutants introduced by livestock farms. Of course non-livestock farms can also greatly contribute to water (and air) pollution, and that's why it's important to support local, seasonal and non-sprayed foods as often as you can. Eating less meat will not only reduce your footprint and add diversity to your diet but it will also greatly reduce your grocery bill!

Check out a collection of amazing vegetarian recipes (everything from breakfast to desserts) from Meatless Monday and locate local food sources in your area to access fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables and more!

If we each become aware of our daily actions and how they're increasing global warming emissions, we can take small steps to help reduce these emissions...one year at a time!