What are you going to do new this year that is going to help the environment become cleaner? There are thousands of actions you can take and make pledges this year to address the current global issues. Issues such as sudden climatic changes, green house effect, plastic, degradation of soil and so on.
Use alternative reusable energy sources
Solar energy
With the starting of a new age where we are constantly looking for cleaner energy sources, the latest technology is opening up new possibilities for reusable energy sources. The sun, which is an abundant source of energy, gives us constant energy for free. For those who can convert solar energy and turn it into electrical or any other type of energy can enjoy unlimited supply of energy for free. This is what the scientists of today are hinting at. We do not need the utility companies anymore. The best part is the solar power is not only free it’s also sustainably and constantly replenished, and it is also the cleanest source of energy that we can find. with all other sources of energy, even when we drive our cars with natural gas or algae, there is some sort of carbon emission, but driving with solar powered motors or supplying our houses energy form solar powered generators have no carbon emission at all.
Wind turbines
Wind is one of nature’s strongest energy sources which are also free and clean. There are many wind turbines being built today across the country to harness this alternative source of energy. Using wind as a source of energy also does not cause any water or air pollution, it is clean and reusable, and also free. Using wind turbines conserve the fossils, does not adversely impact the nature
Clean energy and tax benefits
Federal and state agencies have incentives and grants made available to offset the setup costs of alternative clean sources of energy. Utilities and government agencies, offer a range of various rebates incentives, and tax benefits to support the use of renewable energy sources and use energy more efficiently to encourage conservation of energy and lessen pollution. You can find out about rebates and tax breaks available in your state for individuals or businesses by visiting government’s official website energy.gov
Stop using plastic
Plastic trash generated by average household has reached an alarming rate. Plastic and products made from plastic are disaster for the environment, which are not biodegradable, so they are not reusable and non renewable. Plastic trash does not decompose and so it destroys the eco-system by littering our waterways, cities and oceans.
Plastic related health hazards
Recent studies have already shown evidence that chemicals from plastic storage containers for food and drinks and cookware are hazardous to health. Bisphenol A (BPA) found in plastic can cause several hormonal decease and encourage growth of cancer cells. BPA has also been linked with genetic damages and miscarriage in women. The chemicals used in production of plastic are more harmful to children if ingested who are more vulnerable and has weaker immune system, and so the health risks are significantly higher for children.
Buy locally grown produce
Buying locally grown seasonal produce has several advantages. Eating locally grown fruits and vegetables which are fresh and in season has health, financial as well as environmental benefits. Farmers who grow fruits and vegetables locally usually offer a better price than your supermarket. They are also fresh and healthy and have higher nutrition value for you. Buying from local farmers also help your local economy. The best part is there is no storage and transportation involved, and so, the locally grown crop can save energy as well as chemicals used for preservation. On an average, food usually travel about 1500 miles before it reaches your plate, leaving a huge carbon footprint along the way.
Grow your own home garden
If you like to grow plants in your home garden, planting few of the vegetables and herbs can be pleasurable as well as a good supply of nutritious vegetables for your meals or snacks. You can grow herbs anywhere in your home, in any small container in your patio or kitchen window sill and benefit from your own homemade indoor garden. Even if you do not plan to grow vegetables commercially, they might be enough to feed your own family with a supply of freshly grown vegetables that you know has been grown in organic methods.
Reduce energy waste
Take a pledge this year to reduce energy wastage. Save energy anyway you can. There are many little things you can do to save energy bit by bit that could collectively add up to a significant amount of energy that we can all save, and use it to supply energy to other households or families who needs it. We all can shift from energy consuming fixtures and appliances to energy saving appliances and fixtures, insulate our houses better, use energy star doors and windows, drive smaller cars, use the public transportation more often, use carpooling and so on. By reducing energy wastage, we not only save money but also reduce our carbon footprints.
Here are five tips for saving energy
- turn off lights and heat when leaving the room
- Replace your old thermostat, heating systems with energy efficient systems.
- replace your old appliances with energy star appliances
- use public transportation whenever possible
- Insulate your houses with energy star insulation with higher R value
Think Eco-friendly
This year you can also start thinking green with eco-friendly products. Finding sustainable products in the market is becoming increasingly easy today. Think about back in the days when it was nice to use eco-friendly products. You could use recycled toilet paper that wasn’t so smooth and soft, or use a light bulb that looked yellow and pale. But today, it has become necessary to use eco-friendly products to reduce our negative impacts on the environment. For every product you can find in the market, there is an eco-friendly alternative, which is just as good and affordable as products made in conventional ways, and they do not require any extra efforts or does not need you to sacrifice quality or usability.
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