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Feature Articles -
General Feature
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Written by BeLa
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Sunday, 20 April 2008 |
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So, it's almost Earth Day. We know you know: the Earth shouldn't have a day, but 365 days a year.
Think you can't really make a difference? That there's not much you can do about this dangerous climate change? That it's still not happening in many people's minds? Think again.
Here are ten practical -and easy- tips to make our hurting planet happier on a daily basis.
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Recycle. Yes, it's very obvious, but no, apparently not enough, since many people still don't do it. Use the different bins for the different types of materials. It makes a big difference and it takes minimal effort.
- Re-use old items. Instead of throwing things away, try first to repair them, donate them to a charity, or sell them. Less trash out there, and you'll be helping others.
- When doing your shopping, look for products and packaging that are free of toxins (as much as possible these days anyway).
- Pursue refilling pens and pencils.
- Resort to low-consumption light bulbs in every room at home. At work too, if you have a say on that. Yes, those twisty bulbs make a monumental difference when it comes to energy consumption -- and money too. Using these little guys will reduce 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, the equivalent of taking 7.5 million cars off the road.
- Shower vs. bath. Save water people. You'll miss it when water restrictions become inevitable. A bath takes 15-25 gallons of hot water whereas a shower takes 10-15 gallons. Every little bit helps the environment and your pocketbook. And remember, you don't need the water running while brushing your teeth...
- Use your power wisely. This means no lights on when you leave a room (no matter for how a brief time), no lights on when you can use day light, turning off electrical devices when not necessary...
- Shopping Bags. While shopping, if you only buy a few products, you might want to skip the shopping bag. For larger purchases, bring your own. Some shops sell their own eco-bags for your purchases as well.
- Organic food. Find which food is marked as organic. You'll not only be helping the environment, but your own health too!
- Gas consumption. Having a Hybrid is great, but not everyone can afford one. In a gas-driven vehicle there are still things you can do to help. Traveling over 60 mph significantly increases fuel consumption, for example. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas. Also, reducing the weight of your vehicle and cutting out excessive idling help to extend your mileage.
In short, open your senses. Be conscious. Research. Be aware of what's damaging our environment. And ACT - NOW - before it's too late.
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