June 5th is World Environment Day. What does it mean to you and me? Accepting an invitation on Facebook to join the global warming group? Saying you support the cause to whosoever you meet on the way to work? Be part of a cool rally that’s building awareness about going green?
But, are we personally doing our bit to save the environment? Are we really conscious of the effects of global warming when we are ripping the Earth of it’s draining natural resources?
They say “it’s never too late …” . The truth is, in this case it may already be too late.
Perhaps if we all make an effort, we will be able to make a difference. Here are 10 things you should start doing right away to do your bit towards the environment -
1. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If there isn’t a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, how about starting one? By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
2. Spare the Air Conditioning
Gosh this heat is so scorching! Well, just deal with it. When turning on the a/c on a hot summer day remember that it is also adding around 50 per cent to the energy costs of a building and in cars increasing fuel consumption by 10 to 14 per cent, and thus hugely and rapidly depleting a valuable natural resource. Besides, on average, an air conditioner emits 2,263 pounds of CO2 every year.
When you must use it, set your a/c temperature to 27 degrees to keep down electricity bills and carbon emissions.
3. Change a Light Bulb
Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you at least Rs. 1000 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat.
4. Use the “Off” Switch
Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you’re not using them. Unplugging your phone charger when not in use also helps conserve electricity.
5. Drive Less and Drive Smart
Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Check out options for carpooling to work or college.
When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every 1 gallon (3.75 liters) of gas you save not only helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
6. Use Less Hot Water / Invest in a Solar Heater
Reducing your washing machine temperature from 40 degrees to 30 degrees can help you save 40% of the energy. Investing in a solar heater may not be a bad idea. Most homeowners buy electric water heaters because they are relatively cheaper than solar heater. However, research shows that an average household with an electric water heater spends about 25% of its home energy costs on heating water. Solar water heaters offered the largest potential savings compared to electric heating, with owners saving as much as 50% to 85% annually on their utility bills over the cost of electric water heating.
7. Save Water
It’s a good idea to turn off the water when you’re not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. Wait a few days for a full load before starting your washing machine. You’ll reduce your energy bill and help to conserve 2 vital resources. Avoid baths and reduce showers - the old school bucket technique is supposed to be the best for water conservation. Give it a shot a couple of times a week, even if just for old times sake!
8. Plant a Tree
If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.
9. Buy Energy-Efficient Products
When it’s time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models. Look for energy efficiency labeling with stars on them while shopping for appliances.
Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that can’t be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 600 kgs of carbon dioxide annually.
10. Encourage Others to Conserve
Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.
These 10 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and even your monthly budget.
Do your bit – Save the World for our future generations.
Tags: environment, global-warming
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