Show Mother Earth Some Love This Earth Day
This year, on Earth Day, April 22, take time out to think about how you could positively affect the environment. Here are my suggestions on how that you can make an impact (in no particular order):
1. Save Water—Shower with a Friend
Here’s a fun way to save water – shower with your partner! Not only is this good for the environment, but it will also lead to some good times.
2. Say Goodnight to your Computer
Turn off your computer at night instead of leaving it in sleep mode. This saves 40 watt-hours a day. If you hate waiting for your computer to boot up in the a.m., set it up to start automatically or turn it on and go make your breakfast. It will be ready and waiting for you.
3. Light Bright
Replace regular light bulbs with a compact fluorescent bulb. This not only saves energy, it also saves you money.
4. Be a Once-A-Week Vegetarian
We know you like meat, but it’s good to go without one day a week – not only for the Earth, it’s good for YOU! According to the Environmental Defense Fund, “If every American had one meat-free meal per week, it would be the same as taking more than 5 million cars off our roads. Having one meat-free day per week would be the same as taking 8 million cars off American roads.” Factory farming is a leading cause of global warming because it increases the levels of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Those who eat meat contribute to the amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
5. BYOB
Bring Your Own Bag! Plastic bags are not biodegradable, and are making their way into the oceans and even affecting the food chain. It’s better, and more fashionable, to bring your own reusable fabric bag.
6. Ready to Recycle
We’re not just talking cans, bottles and paper. You can recycle old cell phones, wire hangers, and more. You can also recycle by giving things away instead of tossing them. And P.S., we know that some of you still don’t recycle. What are you waiting for?
7. Get moving
The less you use your car the better. Hop on your bike or walk next time you are going out. Not only is it better for the environment, it’s also better for you to burn those calories! If it’s too hot out, consider taking the bus.
8. Bills, Bills, Bills
Stop clogging up the mailbox at your house and start paying your bills online. Not only will this keep you from killing trees (you tree killer!), but it saves carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases.
You can start out slow and just follow a few of my tips, but the more you do, the better it will be for our environment and our future!
