Daily Tomorrow-An Eco-blog about green living, health and the environment

Five Things You Can Do Today to Help The Environment

by Ali on December 13th, 2007

1. Turn off a light: I live within sight of one of Germany’s newest and largest coal-fired electricity plants. Everyday, I look out of my window and am reminded why conserving electricity is important. Despite the Kyoto Protocol and despite Germany’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions there is a demand for electricity that is being met by coal and other polluting sources. The best thing you can do today to help change this reality is to reduce consumption of electricity. Turn off lights, electronics and other devices when not in use and check out TreeHugger’s How to Green Your Electricity for more useful tips.

2. Cut the shower short: Water is a precious, finite resource and conserving water does more than make sure there’s enough to go around. Reducing water consumption also reduces energy use, reduces water pollution, saves you money and takes a load of water treatment facilities. Think about your water usage and try some creative ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Harvesting rainwater for gardens is a great way to start, like with this Rain Catcher Water Barrel for the yard.

3. Plant a native species: It takes a lot of time, energy, water and fertilizer to keep non-native landscaping alive. Native species are the better choice. They require less upkeep, less water and stay healthier without chemicals. Native species also attract native wildlife and encourage natural biodiversity. Help your yard be part of the natural ecosystem by choosing plants suited to the region you live in. Just be sure to pick from nurseries or local seed swaps, not the wild. Check out eNature’s Native Gardening and Invasive Species Plant Guide to find out what grows in your neck of the woods.

4. Use reusable: If you cross the Pacific at a certain latitude you will find yourself at large in an ocean of plastic - a massive, swirling mess from short-lived plastic products like grocery bags. These bags take massive amounts of energy and oil to produce, are used once or twice and then become a hazard to the environment. Reusable bags are easy and make sense! There are endless choices to fit your needs for groceries or day to day shopping like the stylish Inhabitat Eco-tote Bag or these cool totes from EcoBags. Same goes for plastic water bottles. In the US we use trash about 1000 plastic bottle per second! Ditch the disposable habit and try these cool reusable water bottles from Sigg.

5. Give: This time of year is all about the spirit of giving and you can channel that into small environmental endeavors that make a big difference. It can be time or money but your support will help keep alive the charity of your choice. Like maybe The Nature Conservancy where you can Adopt an Acre or Rescue A Reef. Or maybe the World Wildlife Fund where you can adopt an animal and get a cute plush toy. How about getting your company on board for 1% For the Planet. Or make give every time you use your credit card, cell phone or call long distance with Working Assets - they even offer an “environment” only option. Thinking about traveling with purpose, check out Volunteer travel opportunities at Responsible Travel. The choices are endless and your support can make a difference!

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POSTED IN: Fuel & Energy, Green Giving, Natural Resources, Oceans, Recycling, Wildlife