Can there be anything more shocking and painful than seeing your entire planet drying up right in front of your eyes? We believe not. Irresponsible human acts, such as over-consumption of natural resources, deforestation, and production of chemical waste burden the environment and has a harmful impact on human lives as well. Every year on 5th June, World Environment Day is observed to spread awareness for the protection of our environment. This year, it will be hosted by India for which the decided theme is- Beat Plastic Pollution. It’s high time that we as an individual must contribute to protecting and sustaining our environment. Here are a few simple ways with which you can make a difference.
Plant More Trees
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Trees are the greatest source of oxygen that removes carbon dioxide and provide fresh and pure air to breathe. They help decrease ozone levels in the environment, reduce noise pollution, and offer various fruits and flowers that provide several health benefits. You can also put indoor plants in your home to reduce the level of air pollutants like benzene and nitrogen dioxide and keep the air temperature down.
Save Electricity
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Always switch off the light, fan or A.C when you walk out of the room or don’t need them. Try to make better use of sunlight and avoid using artificial lights during the daytime. Unplug the electronic appliance when you are not using them. Along with helping the environment, it saves your electricity as well!!
Save Water
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Water is a natural resource and its supply is finite, therefore, to preserve our environment and minimize the effect of drought, it is necessary to conserve water. Take short showers. Do not keep the tap water running when you are washing dishes. Don’t waste too much water while flushing. It takes a great number of resources to get fresh and clean water delivered to your house, so please don’t waste it and use it wisely.
Go Paperless or Use Less Paper
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In the office or at home, we all take a printout of documents, tickets, flyers, etc. Most of the time we throw away half-used notepads. Many trees are cut down every year to produce paper. So by saving paper, you can do a huge favour to conserve the environment. Don’t take printouts unless it’s necessary. Don’t avail the of magazine subscriptions. Take notes on your mobile, instead of paper for immediate use.
Save Fuel
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Walking or riding your bicycle to commute to work, school, and other places will cut down the fuel consumption and burn some calories which is also beneficial for your health. Or you can also take public transport or try carpool. Stop the car when stuck in a jam or at the red light. You can also invest in a fuel-efficient car. Adopting these measures will save the fuel and reduce greenhouse gases in the environment.
Use Jute Bags
Avoid using plastic or paper bags every time you go grocery shopping. Because plastic is harmful to the environment that takes almost 450 years to decompose. Make it a habit to always carry an eco-friendly jute bag whenever you go shopping. Jute is a natural fibre that lasts longer and when left unused gets destroyed on its own without contributing to environmental pollution.
Compost
When you decompose the organics in landmines they produce methane and other greenhouse gases, which absorbs the heat from the sun and contributes to warming the earth. Try to decompose your food and other organic waste. The compost makes a natural fertilizer that enriches the soil and helps produce healthy fruits and vegetables.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the major causes of air pollution and the discarded cigarette butts litter the streets and contaminate water bodies. When you smoke indoors or in public places, you also put the health of people around you at the stake. Quitting smoking will make you live longer and healthier and also save the environment from the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.
Recycle
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Recycling minimizes pollution and preserves our natural resources. The process is quite easy and all you have to do is make wise choices. Buy products that can be recycled or made from recycled materials. In supermarkets, pick the products with least packaging. Collect the materials that can be recycled and throw them in a recycle bin provided by the local council.
Say No To Fire Crackers
Fireworks are one of the main causes of air and noise pollution. The chemicals found in crackers, such as copper, zinc, lead, magnesium, etc. never fully decompose have an adverse effect on the environment and put human health at stake. Say no to crackers and celebrate the festivals and special occasions of life without expanding the carbon footprint.
Be a little considerate towards the environment and adopt measures in your everyday life to take good care of it!!
