World Environment Day 2017: 8 Green ways to save our planet

Team Udayavani, Jun 5, 2017, 12:52 PM IST

As each day passes by, Mother Nature is deteriorating bit by bit, and we hardly notice. Maybe by the time everyone realises it, it might be too late to reverse the damage. This is no exaggeration, but a fact. Nobody is a perfect environmentalist, however, together we can take some honest steps to reduce the number of resources consumed and waste that is generated. Take a look below at some ideas and tips as to how we can do this.
The choices we make today can give us a better tomorrow. Little things count! Let’s protect the planet and go green to save our environment!

1. Save Electricity

Save the environment by saving electricity. Electricity is generated by most of the power plants by burning coal, crude oil and other fossil fuels which harm the environment by emitting carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and other poisonous gases. Although inexpensive, our planet earth has to pay a huge price in the form of pollution.

Cutting down on electricity lets you conserve fossil fuels as well as limit the amount of electricity generated. You can also do your bit by reducing the use of electricity at home. Use more of natural light during the day unless you need a strong light. Switch off lights, fans and other electric appliances when not in use. You can even switch to solar power grid for generating electricity. Small steps can turn into giant leaps one day.

2. Save Water

Water is a limited resource. Everything on this earth requires water to sustain itself. Even though our ecosystem is self-sustained; the amount of clean water available is decreasing day by day due to pollution, leading to contamination of water.

What you can do:

• Install a rain barrel; Rainwater harvesting is a great way to save water.
• Turn off taps while brushing your teeth, and washing your hands.
• Check for cracks or leaks in pipes.
• Try to minimise the usage of water for domestic work.
• Educate your children to save water.

3. Plant a Sapling

Plants play a very important role in climate change, by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They help to prevent global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, contributing to soil health, water retention and cools the overheated urban areas.

Plant a sapling today! And contribute to a healthier and greener environment.

4. Stay away from plastic bags!

Plastic bags are not biodegradable. Plastic bags present in the garbage trucks, trash piles and landfills contaminate the environment. Moreover, plastic bags when exposed to sunlight for a long time undergo a physical breakdown resulting in a “plastic dust” which readily soaks up toxins, and can even lead to higher risk of cancer.

The best solution is to reduce the use of plastic altogether. Consider implementing a personal ban on plastics. Use glass bottles or stainless steel flasks to store water. Avoid the use of plastic carry bags and switch to eco-friendly alternatives such as jute, cotton and denim bags.

5. Commute Smart

Air pollution is caused largely by transportation.  Vehicles release harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and other smog-forming emissions into the atmosphere. Pollution caused by vehicles is further split into primary and secondary pollution as a result of chemical reaction between the pollutants in the atmosphere.

To know more: http://www.rtcsnv.com/club_ride/about-club-ride/commute-choices/#.VI9HRXjTm70

Resort to public transport or carpooling or bicycles or choose to walk for commuting from one place to another. Choose fuel-efficient vehicles when you consider buying or replacing your vehicle next time. Our everyday choices can make a difference, and help us protect our environment

6. Avoid wastage of food

The food that you throw away ends up a landfill; these landfills produce a large amount of methane. An overabundance of methane and other greenhouse gases heats up the earth’s atmosphere, causing global warming. We also have to consider the number of natural resources that is spent in processing, transporting, storing and cooking the food; thereby causing damage to the environment.

The best way to avoid food wastage is to buy smartly. Purchase food items as per your needs only, do not hoard. Treat food waste wisely, adopt composting. Instruct your family members and kids not to waste food.

7. Be a part of change for the good

Join groups or organisations which indulge in environment protection. Support them and be a part of a change.

8. Propagate widely

Share and encourage your relatives and friends to adopt these ideas.

– Aishwarya Kudva