Going Green in angry hot planetby | 23-01-2015 09:09 |
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 A little while ago I stumbled on this picture while doing some eco-research on climate change and was immediately struck not really by the creativity of the design but actually the caption it carried: "An Angry Hot Planet" For a moment I paused to think. How many of us actually feel the grim and utterly pathetic vulnerability of earth in the face of our very mindless and sadly uncaring acts which do not only set nature on fire but consistently threaten to put it out of the way of existence? I bet it's not a handful of us! Yet, it isn't so much a surprise - a crippling terror- that these acts all of which combined, contribute to earth's miserable hotness and frothing anger are nothing really complex but a string of quite simple things the doing of which wreck a volcano of destructions on the cute, innocent planet. Indeed, I have only come to a simple conclusion that it is only logical to think that simple solutions should be the way to the simple acts of humans which nevertheless cause multiple and complex havoc to earth's peace and continued existence. Therefore, here is my quick list of some of the most dependable simple things to do to go green on an angry hot planet based on my research. You will find some of them somehow ridiculous. 1.DRINK TAP WATER! (Funny yeah?) Nearly 40 million plastic water bottles are sold annually in Nigeria with less than 20% of them being recycled (which still wastes unnecessary energy). Ironically, many bottled water companies use municipal water sources - that's right, tap water. Learn how to save resources and money by drinking from the tap or home filtration system instead. 2. 'CHEW' YOUR WASTE OR REDUCE IT, FREAK! Reducing the amount of waste you bring in and the amount of trash that goes to the landfill is an important part of any green lifestyle. But there's a lot more to it than just recycling plastic or throwing your trash in a bin. You need to cultivate a culture of not producing waste. 3. WATCH YOUR TRANSPORTATION! Will it suprise you that bicycling, walking or riding the bus are the best ways to commute sustainably? Inflating your car tires, driving slower and combining trips will help you save fuel when driving is necessary. This is energy effective. 4. CONSUME ORGANIC, LOCALLY GROWN FOOD. (No more butter cookies and cancerous lizard egg pizza!!!) With food being a huge part of our existence, this is one of the most important ways to go green. Most of our meals come from a minimum of 1,500 miles away. Some of what ends up on our plate has travelled around the world to reach you. And way too much of it is unhealthy for you. You eat chemicals and you are feeling porsche... Pity! 5. GO CHEMICAL FREE For your own sake, let go of toxic chemicals and choose sustainable options. You'll not only limit disposable containers and save money, you'll create a healthy living environment for your family. 6. NOW EDUCATE OTHERS As you're practising these ways to go green you'll likely spark a lot of conversations. The biggest influence you can have on others is through your actions and your attitude. Let your example be inspiration and keep the lines of communication open so that friends or family will have a seasoned pro to turn to when they are looking for ways to go green. So in conclusion, ask yourself, who really are you helping when you do all these things and more? Isn't it you? Why then are you not going green? |
