Daily Actions For a Greener Planet

All of us are aware of the need to save our environment. Climatic changes, threats to wild-life and new types of viruses and air-borne diseases we experience today are directly linked to the imbalance that has arisen between man and nature. Taking action to reverse these trends has become a matter of global priority. Governments at national, state and municipal levels are involved in formulating policies to achieve this. It is up to each one of us to do our part to contribute to this effort.

Some of the required initiatives, such as changing over to more energy efficient cars or products can only be done in phases. However, there are others that we can take on a daily basis to make an impact.

Washing clothes in cold water is one such action that can reduce green house emissions. It is estimated that 90% of the operating energy of a washing machine is used to heat water. By switching to cold water which cleans just as well, we help to save on energy usage. Washing a full load is more economical than doing lower loads. We can save more energy if we bypass the dryer and air drying our clothes, either outside on a clothes line or using an indoor rack.

How do these actions help our environment? Most of the energy we use is produced from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere. High concentrations of carbon dioxide and other green-house gases such as methane have created a blanket around the atmosphere that traps heat from the sun. This has caused the temperature in our planet to rise to abnormal levels. By conserving energy, we help reduce the demand for it. Collectively, this can lead to less production that can help reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide.

Many of us keep the tap running while brushing our teeth or shaving. Instead we can turn on the tap only when needed. Not only does this save water, which is a precious resource but we also contribute to cost savings in energy and processes required to provide us with water on tap.

Buying locally produced fruit and vegetables is another green initiative. We benefit by consuming food that is fresh and free of preservatives. Our farmers get a chance to earn more on their produce by reducing transport and intermediary costs. Foods imported from other countries and regions are transported in vehicles that emit green house gases. Our health and the environment gain when we buy locally grown produce.

Re-using bags offer a means to contribute to the green effort. Many stores offer rewards for bringing in eco-friendly or re-usable bags. A plastic bag is made by chemically converting petroleum. Not only does this create carbon dioxide and other toxic gases in its production but takes twenty or more years to break down. Even when it does, small bits end up in our waterways and soil causing harm to all life forms. Until their use is stopped, we should re-use them as much as possible.

Recycling is another way to go green. When shopping for food, check for signs in the package that inform whether the container is bio-degradable or recyclable. By recycling we help to preserve our forests and natural resources and reduce the energy used to turn raw materials to finished products.

Composting our food scraps and yard waste is another green initiative that can reap benefits. Compost is a good natural fertilizer for plants and home-grown vegetables. By contributing to this effort, we help to reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in land fills. The methane gas released from such sites is considered to be twenty times more harmful than carbon dioxide.

It is estimated that 30% of the total energy generated is used in transport. We can help save on this and live in a cleaner environment by choosing to walk, bike, carpool and use transit whenever possible.

Each small action that we take adds up to the efforts taken globally to save our planet. There are other benefits too. Each initiative gives us an opportunity to save on our utility bills. We can also lead healthier lives that are more in harmony with nature.

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