A Greener Earth
Every action has a consequence; this is especially true in the face of the current global environmental crisis. There’s global warming, the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals and oil, environmental contamination, among a plethora of other issues. Every individual should be concerned with their role. And as the saying, ‘the revolution starts at home’ states, the average household can protect the environment by being green.
Water is an extremely precious resource, yet the average North American four-person household utilizes about 1100 liters of water a day, mostly in the bathroom. This can be easily reduced by installing low-flow water fixtures like toilets and showerheads, reducing water use as well as the water bill. Taking shorter showers is another way to conserve water. A long, hot shower or bath is a great stress reliever, but so is reading a book or taking a walk, without wasting water. The average home can also switch to using environmentally-friendly body products; this is especially true in the face of the fact that most people don’t put much thought into buying and using bath products. However, many of them contain chemicals that are harmful. Using soaps and shampoos that are made with natural, biodegradable, environmentally-friendly ingredients are not only better for everyone’s health, but also mean that the extra chemicals aren’t being washed into waterways.
The kitchen is the heart of every home, yet most of the waste that average homes produce comes from the kitchen in the form of food packaging and food scraps. One way to reduce garbage is to install a compost bin in the yard. Instead of throwing away organic food scraps, such as carrot peels and chicken bones, they can be recycled into rich fertilizer that doesn’t cost a penny, and keeps it out of the garbage. Moreover, a box can be used in the kitchen for recycling containers, taking these reusable materials out of the landfills.
Electricity keeps nearly everything running. Yet because it is everywhere, we take it for granted. Production of electricity, like everything else, alters the environment in a way that, more often than not, is harmful to animal habitat and forests. Average households can conserve power by: turning off lights when not in use, using energy- efficient appliances and light bulbs, and unplugging machines and appliances when not needed, because they still use electricity when not on. Making sure that the house is properly insulated so that the house doesn’t overheat or over-cool, and wearing an extra sweater or using another blanket instead of fiddling with the thermostat can also save energy.
Another issue that many people don’t really think is an issue is the cleaning products they use. By using cleaning products and laundry detergents that are biodegradable, not only does it prevent breathing in chemicals, it also prevents chemicals from entering the environment. The manufacturing process of conventional cleaning products often releases noxious chemicals into the environment that form carcinogens and mutagens, chemicals that cause cancer and can mutate DNA. Using cold water cycles instead of hot water cycles in the washing machine, and hanging the laundry instead of using the dryer are effective ways in saving energy while doing the laundry.
Travelling, whether by car or by airplane, is a major source of pollution. The average household often owns two cars and drives everywhere. Instead of using the car so often, exploring different ways
of transportation is another option. Using public transit, biking to work, or walking when possible cuts carbon emissions, and the more exercise one gets, the healthier one is.
Recycle, recycle, recycle! In an average household, nearly everything can be reused. Recycling paper and plastic is easy, but even things that are thought of to be ‘not recyclable’, like clothes, can be recycled by swapping them with friends and family. Furniture can be recycled by refinishing it. Even batteries and electronics, which can become extremely hazardous when thrown out, can be recycled at depots that accept them.
The average household buys most of their groceries at a supermarket, where the produce and goods come from all different corners of the world. They truly define the term ‘global marketplace’. However, when groceries and produce are bought from local sources, it means that less mileage is on the food, resulting in fresher, better-tasting food, while less energy was expended in getting it to the table, reducing carbon emissions. One great way to eat local is to take part in Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA). People support a farm by buying ‘shares’ for a certain amount of time in a farm, which then delivers local, seasonal food to them. Buying a share in a CSA farm not only means that affordable fresh groceries are available every week, but that the food is local, a local business is being supported, and CSA farms are usually organic and use no pesticides. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Most households usually include a garden, and doing yard work can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on what’s used to do it. Instead of using a gas-guzzling lawnmower and leaf blower, use some elbow grease. Mow the lawn with a hand push lawn mower, and use a rake to clean up the leaves. Planting species that are native to the area, instead of introducing foreign plants, can produce a beautiful garden and ensure that no invasive plants set up shop and choke out domestic species. Instead of using pesticides that leech into the soil and can contaminate groundwater, use natural pest-control, like ladybugs.
In a society that is highly materialistic, many things are taken for granted. If even one household implements change in how they live and what they consume, it can make a significant difference; it would mean less chemicals leeched into our water systems, less carbon emitted into the atmosphere, less waste produced, less habitats destroyed, and less resources wasted, leading to a cleaner world. However big or small, every household can positively affect the environment, and keep our beloved Earth green.
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