Each one of us on this planet has a carbon footprint – do you know how big yours is? A carbon footprint is the sum of all C02 emissions that have been produced based upon lifestyle activities. Every time we drive a car, run electricity, use running water, eat meat, use plastic bottles and bags (and especially when we don’t recycle), we are emitting greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
It’s so easy to take advantage of our many modern day luxuries and not think of the environment on a moment to moment basis because the effects are not immediately obvious. But just imagine the amount of people on this planet and the huge amounts of gases we are contributing in a DAY, let alone a year or even lifetime.
Here are 5 ways to commemorate Earth Day, because Mother Nature deserves some appreciation — today and every day!
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Practice yoga or other fun activities outside! Get grounded and breathe in the fresh air. Or leave the car at home and WALK or ride a bike – enjoy nature along the way. Cars contribute to air pollution and emit greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
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Make sure to turn off or unplug any electronics that you’re not using. Believe it or not, there’s a direct connection between our energy use and the environment. When we consume less power, we reduce the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants, conserving the earth’s natural resources and protecting our ecosystems from destruction.
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Same for using water! Turn it off while washing dishes, take shorter showers and fix a leaky faucet. The less we use, the less water needs to be treated, pumped and heated – which lowers the energy demands, preventing air pollution.
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Invest in reusable water bottles and coffee cups – think of all the water bottles you’ve used in the past month alone. More than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills and incinerators every day – a total of about 22 billion last year. Save your money AND the planet.
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Go Vegetarian – even if just for a day or two! Raising animals for food requires massive amounts of land, food, energy, and water and causes immense animal suffering. A staggering 51 percent or more of global greenhouse-gas emissions are caused by animal agriculture, according to a report published by the Worldwatch Institute.
By taking small steps each day to reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll contribute to a healthier and happier world. Think of it as paying homage to and respecting this beautiful place that we’re blessed to call home.
