One of the goals of Earth Day 2017 ( www.earthday.org) is to have citizens learn more about the concepts of climate change and be aware of the unprecedented threat to our planet.
As I read their mission, my mind began to address what I could do to be more environmentally kind to this planet. I found a list of suggestions on various sites but realized that many of the suggestions aren’t practical for students living on campus; such as doing an energy audit of your home. So I am presenting some of the more doable ideas.
1. Get a reusable water bottle. According to www.globalcitizen.org, 50 billion plastic water bottles are tossed annually. Most of them end up in a landfill or in the ocean. Just creating the bottles uses 17 million barrels of gasoline which is enough to power 1.3 million cars for a year. Staggering statistics! Note there are places on campus to refill those bottles such as in the Underground and in the Health Sciences Building.
From www.rustletheleaf.com come these suggestions.
2. Use both sides of the paper. The pulp mills that make paper use over one trillion gallons of chlorine-tainted water to produce paper. Use the other side and the pollution is almost cut in half. You get extra Earth Day points if you can find and use chlorine-free recycled paper.
3. Have less meat for dinner. Once a week plan a meal that does not include meat. Go with pasta, soy crumbles or other veggie options. Reducing meat consumption conserves fresh water and reduces air pollution.
4. Walk to nearby errands. Many of you have no other option than walking. If you do have a car, do you really need to use it to go to the Summerdale Plaza for a trip to Mickey D’s? It is estimated that if people walked or biked on nearby errands, 70 million gallons of fuel would be saved– each year. A bonus is that the trek up the hill is good exercise.
5. BYOB. Of course, you know that means Bring Your Own Bag. When you are shopping, bring a reusable bag to save on the use of plastic bags. It takes 12 million barrels of oil to produce the plastic bags that the U.S. uses every year.
6. If you are fortunate enough to have a car on campus, make sure it is in good shape. Americans waste over 700 million gallons of gas each year just because the tires aren’t properly inflated. Also make sure your car is properly tuned up. You will save money and reduce emissions.
7. Enjoy nature. This one is my favorite! Go for a hike or just sit in a park and appreciate the moment.
Appreciate the Earth and be kind to it. It is the only home we have.