New Delhi: This Earth Day think back to all those minor activities we undertake in our daily routine which are affecting our mother earth in a major way.
Change your light bulbs: If every household in the replaced one regular light bulb with one of those new compact fluorescent bulbs, the pollution reduction would be equivalent to removing one million cars from the road. This small effort from each household can make huge contribution to save our earth.
Go veggie: To help the environment and your health, try to go meat free for a few days, go vegetarian if not forever than for at least one day a week. Around 18% of greenhouse gases are caused by livestock farming – the production of one beef steak emits more carbon dioxide than driving for one hour while leaving all the lights on in your home.
Say yes to cycling and improve air quality: All it needs is the power of your two legs. No diesel or petrol means, no toxic fumes in the air and consequently better air quality. Better air quality decreases chances of respiratory problems and contributes in the growth of better environment of the city.
Use a power strip: Electrical appliances continue to use energy even when they are switched off – and the only way to stop this wastage is to unplug your television, computer or mobile phone charger. Power strips are an easy solution, as you eliminate the need to unplug or re-plug your appliances, instead just switching off or unplugging the strip.
Say no to food wastage and avoid ‘good-looking’ food: Large retail chains and other food products manufacturers put unnatural specifications for the size and outer look of the vegetables and fruits. It happens precisely for the reason that while being perfectly edible it is not “good looking†enough for corporate retail chain. It’s advisable to strictly stay away from such fruits and vegetables.
Make your kids a responsible ‘green’ citizen: It’s important for parents to inculcate the basic values, which should not just be followed at home, but even while they are out. Parents are the first heroes of children. The way they behave with children in their early years shape the way they will conduct their entire lives. So it is imperative that parents inculcate green values in their children.
Recycling: Recycling is an easy way to protect our environment. A recycling bin can be kept next to the main bin so that the waste and recyclable waste can easily be distinguished and a contribution can be made to the environment by taking this little step.
Brush without running water: Avoiding the most commonly seen habit can conserve up to five gallons of water per day if you stop running water while brushing your teeth. Saving water can help a great deal in saving life on earth.
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E-Tickets & Downloads:Â When possible use eTickets when taking a flight to save on paper. The same goes for computer software. Instead of using compact disc that come in those cardboard packages just find the download online and save on the disc and cardboard consumption.
Carpool or Telecommute:Â If you can arrange an agreement with your employer to work from home that would not only help save the planet from the amount of pollution cars create but also help save you money. If you cannot telecommute you can work out an agreement between co-workers to start a carpool which again will save on cash and gasoline.