Five Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
Yesterday, April 22, people around the world celebrated Earth Day as a global campaign in demonstrating support for protecting the environment. But what about the other days of the year?
Global warming and climate change are becoming imminent threat to our home as we continue to burn fossil fuels. Based on a report released by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), carbon dioxide emissions are expected to rise by about 2% each year from 2004 to 2030, which could result to drought, famine, floods, and unpredictable weather.
It is true that common people like you and me don’t have the power to decrease carbon dioxide emissions. However, there are simple ways that we can make to protect planet Earth, even if it’s not April 22.
Here are five simple ways that you can do starting today:
1. Ride a Bike
Instead driving a car or riding a bus, you can instead choose to ride a bike. According to EPA, an average car can emit about 12,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. By riding a bike to school or to work for at least once a week, you can help reduce CO2 emission by at least 20% every year.
2. Don’t Waste Water
About 95% of water entering an average home in the US goes down the drain! Such a waste, considering there are still places in the world where water is inaccessible. So if you have a stable supply of water in your home, be sure not to waste it. For example, never let water run when you are not using it, such as when you are brushing your teeth or when you are shampooing your hair.
3. Switch to CFL Bulbs
Using Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs is one of the best ways you can help decrease CO2 emission. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), if every American household use a CFL bulb, power plants will prevent emitting 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases. In addition, inefficient light bulbs are being phased out under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. While this law doesn’t require the use of CFL bulbs, it requires about 25% greater efficiency for household light bulbs that have conventionally used 40 to 100 watts. On top of that, a CFL bulb is energy-efficient, so you can save money on power costs.
4. Buy Local Food
Food products that have been exported may have travelled thousands of miles to reach your kitchen. Why not patronize locally grown produce? With this, you can conserve fuel, decrease pollution, and you’ll be sure to enjoy fresh food.
5. Learn 3Rs: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse
Probably you are very familiar with this eco-friendly practice. But still many people forget to apply this mantra for daily living. Just a reminder, be sure to use fewer resources (reduce), don’t throw things easily and instead find new ways to use them (reuse), and donate plastic bottles and old papers for re-processing (recycle).
These five ways are very easy to do, and it doesn’t give you harm in trying to practice them every day. Planet Earth is our home, and we have the responsibility to protect and conserve it. Happy Earth Day Every Day!
