PLANET EARTH IS HURTING & HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!
PLANET EARTH IS HURTING & HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!
As hard as it would seem to be, there are
still plenty of people on the planet who simply do not believe in Climate
Change. Or further, that human beings in our short history upon this planet
have caused such a significant impact on Earth. And, despite these naysayers,
incontrovertible evidence mounts day after day after day that we have done just
that -- perhaps even pushing our own extinction towards inevitable.
Well, whether the above is true or not, nobody
can deny the benefits of healthy stewardship of one's resources. So, with that
in mind, I have assembled below a list of some easy things you the individual
can do that will ultimately contribute something positive to the planet's
survival as well as to not hasten our own demise.
TEN EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO TO MAKE PLANET EARTH A
HEALTHIER PLANET FOR ALL!
1. PLANT
SOMETHING: Whether it's a tree, a flower or a garden, nothing puts you
in touch with nature more than getting your hands in the very soil from which
it's made. And, in the process, you will add beauty and oxygen to your
environment - not to mention potentially save money on groceries.
2. RIDE
YOUR BIKE OR WALK: It's no doubt that in the 2nd of the 20th century
through to today, the automobile has reigned supreme. And nobody is asking you
(at least not yet) to give up your vehicle. However, what they are asking you
to do is not use it as much. If you have an errand in your neighbourhood or
nearby, in good weather, consider walking or biking instead of driving.
3. REUSABLE
BAGS: It may come as a surprise to you that plastic shopping bags
create a serious threat not only to our environment, but to our food chain.
These convenient, but toxic bags are filling up landfills and oceans just about
everywhere. So, next time you're going marketing, bring along some non-toxic
reusable bags made from some kind of earth-friendly material. Failing which,
then simply keep your plastic bags and take them with you to be reused on your
current shopping expedition.
4. INSTALL
L.E.D. LIGHTS: Although not the cheapest solution in the short-term,
in the long-term there is simply no way anyone can deny the value of LED
lighting. With an average life span of 23-years, the average LED light bulb
(which is already using much less energy) will outlast the regular incandescent
bulb by 25:1!
5. TURN-OFF
AND UNPLUG APPLIANCES: What many people do not realize is that most if
not all of your electric appliances continue to consume energy even when
turned-off. Your innocent computer, television, even oven and cordless vacuum
continue to consume power even when not turned on. The simple solution is to
not only turn them off, but also to unplug them altogether until they are next
needed.
6. RECYCLE
EVERYTHING: In this high disposable world we currently live in, too
many of us simply throw everything old or slightly used out and replace it with
a brand-new version of the same thing. Next time you are tempted to do that,
consider recycling or reusing it instead. Many objects and items we typically
toss out could be donated, rehabilitated, reused for different purposes or at
least recycled instead of being added to the frighteningly large number of
landfills now dotting the country.
7. USE
A REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLE: Plastic water and other drink bottles are
becoming a biohazard all on their own. These ubiquitous and handy items are
clogging landfills, waterways and garbage recycling plants the planet over. And
there are completely unnecessary. Instead, consider investing in a reusable
container which by-passes the need for plastic altogether. Or, once again,
simply reuse the bottles you currently have instead of throwing them out.
8. SHOP
LOCALLY AND IN SEASON: Food produced in the regions in which you are
living do not have to be harvested early, shipped to grocery stores from afar and
forced to ripen in time for sale. Instead, they are harvested in time and
delivered locally if at all, and tend to involve a lot less middlemen,
chemicals or costs. They also support local businesses and are more likely in
alignment with your body's own seasonal needs.
9. GET
EDUCATED / SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Make yourself aware of the issues
confronting not only the planet, but your own local community. Consider a night
school course at a local college. Or head to the library and do some research
on a topic related to the earth and conservancy that especially interests you.
Then share your knowledge with your family, friends and
neighbourhood/community. Your voice will have a lot more authority in your
community than some politician in Ottawa or scientist at UofT.
10. SPEAK
OUT WHEN IT'S IMPORTANT: As you get educated you will inevitably begin
to form your own opinions and passions. Don't be afraid to let your voice be
heard. Consider joining a local environmental group or community garden. Or write
a letter to your City, Provincial or Federal government representative
demanding that he/she speak on your behalf about the ecological and
environmental issues most important to you.
These ten tips are just the tip of the quickly
melting ice berg. I'm sure you can probably think up ten or twenty more if you
just put your mind to it. So, now is the time to act. However you decide to go
about it, consider taking on one or two small and easy new habits or behaviours
that has a lot less negative impact on the planet. And be sure to let your
friends and family know. Encourage them to do the same. And when enough of us
start living more consciously and sustainably, then and only then might we be
able to look at the future without fear and instead with joy and hope!
RESOURCES:
Here are some more resources for you to
explore the world of sustainable living and to honour our planet on Earth Day
and everyday of the year: