Following activities may be conducted on a daily basis to protect the environment:
- Using energy star rate products: The usage of EPA’s energy star rated products which are energy efficient can make a lot of difference . The products which have an energy star label can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 130,000 pounds and save $11,000 on the energy bills .
- Maintenance of heating and cooling devices: Simple steps such as changing air filters regularly, proper usage of a programmable thermostat and annual maintenance of heating and cooling equipment can save energy and positively impact the environment . Old devices should be replaced with star rated energy efficient devices to save energy and costs .
- Reduce, reuse and recycle: The recycling of paper, newspapers, beverage containers and other goods through community recycling programs and the composting of biodegradable food waste can help in the reduction of the amount of garbage sent to landfills and thus contribute in the reduction of greenhouse gases .
- Efficient use of water: Water should be used efficiently as it is a scarce and valuable natural resource. One should turn the tap off when not in use, especially during brushing of teeth, shaving, washing your hands, cleaning the dishes and other activities . The water leaks should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent the possible wastage of water .
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater in a harvesting tank is an excellent method to save rain water, which is the purest form of water and needs very little treatment . Rainwater harvesting is an excellent water conservation technique which can be practiced by people in daily life by using storage tanks to collect rain water and use stored rain water for various purposes.
- Avoid bags: Paper bags are made from the barks of trees and therefore one can protect the environment by saying no to bags when we can easily manage without one It is a good idea to carry cloth bags for shopping and reuse bags as much as possible . Do not use plastic bags at all as they harm the environment due to their non-biodegradable nature.
- Plant trees: Planting trees has its own advantages. Trees help in the maintenance of the ecological balance of the earth. People can contribute by plantation of one plant each day. Plants ensure purification of air through the emission of oxygen, which is a must for the survival of plants and animals on the planet earth.
- Use renewable forms of energy: Through the usage of renewable forms of energy such as solar energy, wind energy and water, energy, one can contribute significantly in environmental protection as these sources of energy as pollution free and safe to use.
- Car-Pools: One can use car pools for going to the office which can save fuel and energy; and thus save the environment by reducing global warming.
- Protect Biodiversity: Initiatives must be taken to protect plants and animals in their natural habitat. The protection of rainforests which are important reservoirs of many plant and animal species should be ensured.
Each individual can contribute towards the creation of a positive impact on the environment. Collective participation of people in various environmental protection programs and efficient use of energy resources can certainly have a great impact.
References
Bitstrips. (2014). 5 ways to save the environment. Retrieved from Butstrips: http://bitstrips.com/r/9M7GS
Energy, G. (2014). Help Save Environment. Retrieved from Green Energy: http://technologygreenenergy.blogspot.in/2013/05/help-save-environment.html
EPA. (2014, June). What You Can Do: At Home. Retrieved from EPA: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/home.html
Kinkade-Levario, H. (2013). Design for Water: Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment, and Alternate Water Reuse. Canada: New Society Publishers.
Picsed. (2014). Save environment pictures. Retrieved from Picsed: http://picsed.com/keyword/save+environment+pictures
The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth. (2009). Missouri: Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Water, S. (2014). Water use in the home. Retrieved from Save Water: http://www.savewater.com.au/how-to-save-water/in-the-home
