Earth Day is a time to celebrate the gains we have made in protecting the environment, but also a time to reflect and ask, "How can we do more?". The Top 10 list below is a call to action and is meant to stimulate additional discussions about what we as individuals and communities can do to help protect our planet.
1. Educate Yourself.
The number one thing you can do is simply to educate yourself about the issues. You cannot act and you cannot call others to action until you understand the facts. So spend some time researching issues such as Global Warming, Recycling, Energy Consumption, etc...
2. Create Awareness.
Once you educate yourself, tell a friend, tell a co-worker, tell a family member or even tell a stranger! Creating awareness among others one person at a time is a wonderful way to spread the Green movement.
3. Recycle.
Recycling is one of the best ways to help the environment. Recycling reduces garbage in landfills, reduces carbon emissions by reducing manufacturing and transportation emissions and enables our Earth's natural resources to be more evenly distributed among the world's population.
4. Get involved in Politics.
We need our government to legislate change requiring businesses to engage in Green behavior as well as to fund the development of renewable energy. To this end, we need elected officials pushing the Green agenda. Vote for politicians who share the same Green values as you.
5. Drive Less.
Carbon emissions from vehicles are one of the leading causes of Global Warming. Drive less by walking, cycling, using public transportation and car pooling. Not only does it help the environment - it saves you money and improves your health.
6. Use Fuel Efficient Vehicles.
Most people still have to drive. Using fuel efficient vehicles can reduce carbon emissions and oil consumption by 50%. Drive a hybrid, small car, motorcycle or scooter. It will reduce carbon emissions and your gasoline bill!
7. Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).
CFLs use 75% less energy than standard light bulbs and last 10 times longer. That saves energy which reduces energy consumption which reduces green house emissions.
8. Monitor the Temperature
Turn up your thermostat in the summer and down in the winter. Every degree you adjust can reduce your energy consumption by up to 1% which also reduces your utility bill.
9. Turn Them Off!
Simply turn off lights, computers, TVs and other appliances when not using them. Sounds simple, but it is effective. Most people simply do not think to shut things off when not in use.
10. Water Conservation.
Fresh water shortages are becoming increasingly common. Conserve water by showering instead of bathing, using water efficient toilets and washing machines, turning off the water when brushing your teeth, and by collecting rain water for your garden.
All of the actions listed above can help the environment in numerous ways. In addition, most help us as individuals and communities as well. Almost all of the actions above save us money through reduced energy and water consumption which saves money on utility bills, gasoline bills, etc... So help the environment and help yourself through the actions above.
Via: Recycling Center
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