How You Can Save The Earth From Your Couch
During these social distancing and protesting days, there is a lot going on. We get it, sometimes it is just hard to go to cleanups and attend protests
and do all this other stuff that activists and environmentalists always seem to be involved in. But you still want to do your part to defeat climate change,
right? Well, we hope you do, because we have come up with 5 easy peasy ways to let your inner environmentalist out - right from your couch. Trust us, it’s not
hard and yes, you can wear your pajamas.
1. Contact your local government officials
Ever since the Green Fence incident
the cost for many recyclable goods has gone down. With a low cost for paper and plastic,
private waste companies will have a harder time earning a profit, so they can choose to deny certain counties recycling program options if the local
government does not mandate it. Likewise, if the local government does mandate that both residential and commercial recycling programs must be offered
by these waste companies, then they will be. If these programs are not offered in your neighborhood or community this is probably because your local
county government has not required it. Not just local governments, but national as well. Send personalized emails to Congress to call for reforms that
will support sustainability. More than 4 out of 5 congressional staffers say personalized emails are the best way to make sure your message breaks through,
and gets attention while they're working remotely. As a resident you have the right to voice your concerns. Contact your county officials and ask them
what you can do to have an ordinance passed that requires these recycling programs to be available to its residents. Whether it is email or call, make your
voice heard- even if you are not wearing pants.
2.It's not Christmas, turn off your lights
This is a really easy one, if fact, the only thing you have to do is not do something.
DO NOT keep your lights on if you are not using them. TURN OFF your TV if you are not watching it. Electricity
comes from energy, and most of the energy production comes from fossil fuels and unsustainable methods. DO NOT take this for granted.
Recognize where your energy comes from, and if it bothers you, consider
switching to solar (it has a lot of benefits). Not only will it help your electricity bill
but the Earth will thank you as well.
Source
It is a win-win situation really.
3.For god’s sake, the shower is not a Broadway stage
I have been there, you have been there, we all have been there. Singing your favorite songs or pretending you are in your favorite movie
are fine and all, but not when your showerhead releases water at the rate of water-saving shower head
This way you will save water and can pretend you are on Broadway. But there are still some important things you should keep in mind when you are pondering away on your sectional.
DO NOT keep the water running when you can turn it off. For example, when you are brushing your teeth, you don’t need to put your water on full blast and you do not need to keep it running
for the whole time. Turn it off when you actually brush your teeth and turn it on when you are washing your mouth or brush. Water gets to your faucets and showerheads by using energy, which
still comes from the same nonrenewable resources. And do not forget, water is not infinite, so please use it wisely. Every drop matters.
4.Educate Yourself
Now, this one may seem boring or time-consuming. But it is not, and if you feel like you can not even do that much for our planet earth- then learn some respect.
Educating yourself is the most powerful way you can help the climate movement. There is so much false information coming from the political and social spheres that it is overwhelming.
Some people are saying that we all die, others are saying that we are fine. Who do we believe? Scientists. Credible Ones. We believe in science. Credible .org ,.gov, .edu
websites from organizations such as top-tier research universities, trusted environmental organizations, and science networks are the way to go. Through your reading, hopefully you will see
the great need for our climate action and the long way we have to get there.
Global Climate Change @ NASA
Harvard University Center for the Environment
EPA
5. Donate
Time and money. Two things no one wants to give away, but often do wastefully. Besides, you have already saved so much money saving water and electricity,
now you can put it to good use. Investing in nonprofits ( Green Earth Initiative is one- shameless plug) and environmental organizations in your local area can make a big difference
in your local community. The creative initiatives that aim to make a positive impact, those are worth your money, and you will feel good about it too.
With these 5 easy peasy steps, you will be able to learn about the earth and help it along the way- all from the comfort of your couch.