Resolutions: For Our Very Own Earth
evawhite on April 25th, 2008
Earth Day which was on 22nd April has just gone by. I have not stuck to the New Year Resolutions that I made, so I thought I would make some Earth Day resolutions which would be good for me as well as the Earth. Even a few changes you make in your day to day life can make a difference. Read on and tell me if you are going to join me in this worthwhile exercise.
I shall recycle: That recycling is good for the environment is a no brainer. The mantra you can live by is reduce, reuse and recycle. Buy less to begin with, reuse whenever possible so that you minimize waste and recycle whatever you can. When you buy stuff at the store, carry your own bag or at least ask for a paper bag rather than a plastic one. Remember you will use a plastic bag for five minutes and it will take nature 500 years to biodegrade it.
I shall drive less: Walk to wherever you can, or use your bicycle, leaving the car at home. Whenever possible, use public transport. If you are thinking about getting a new car, at least consider an electric vehicle or a hybrid at least.
I shall take the train not the plane: If you read my post about the best train journeys, then you will know, that according to me, trains are the best way to travel because you get a feel of the place you are traveling thru, the people, the culture, the look, sounds, even the smells of the place. It is also the best way to travel environmentally speaking because it has the least negative impact on the environment.
I shall plant Trees: Ideally, you can try planting a tree for every 10 books you buy (textbook, notebook, count them all). I know this is not at all practical or even feasible, but try planting one tree a year. You can choose earth day to do this worthwhile activity. Or read e-books as a way to reduce the demand of cutting trees for making paper.
I shall reconnect with nature: Get together with likeminded friends or family and explore your neighborhood. Organize a camping or trekking excursion; explore parks, woods, and historical sites. Let this be how you spend your leisure time rather than staying indoors watching the TV, using heating or cooling and other appliances.
I shall eat smart: Reduce the amount of frozen or canned foods that you eat (canning uses energy and material and increases garbage and freezing uses energy and packing material), instead eat fresh, seasonal produce.
Any more that you want to add to my list?
