WITH the higher frequency of natural disasters, retreat of glaciers in mountainous areas in other parts of the world, abrupt increase in sea level, coastal flooding, and just about the extremities of weather we now experience, are brought about by effects of climate change, even some plants and animals have become extinct, and sudden outbreak of diseases in places are now high-- these and the many more damages are the price we are all paying for taking for granted the planet that has provided and nurtured us.
Nature has taken its toll on us, its own destructive ways at getting back to show her displeasure from everything we have caused her can now be evidently felt wherever we go. But it is never too late for us to act on it. The physical impact of climate change may be irreversible, but it can be slowed down. It is about time we give back to her by taking good care of what is left for us.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Having heard and read this old dictum for over a thousand times, does this still impact how you live your life? These are still one of the greener and more economical ways to help the environment. Simply, reducing entails cutting back from where you are now, such as cutting on water consumption at home, waste less energy on light and equipment, choosing appliances and electronics that are energy-efficient. To reuse is to make do of things that still has its value, like reusing food containers and plastic bags, trading or selling outgrown apparel and items at home. Recycling, on the other hand, allows the proper disposal of products while setting aside those that can still be of use. Aside from reducing the pile of wastes, it also helps cut down the need for raw material consumption.
Energy Conservation. Carbon dioxide is the primary contributor to global warming, and because this is emitted from the consumption of energy from fuels, changing our lifestyle can help reduce energy use. Starting from the way your home appliances are being handled – using energy savings bulbs such as LED lamps, turning off and plugging out electronic devices when not in use, cleaning and replacing air filters regularly.
When getting around, and whenever possible, you may walk, use your bike, car pool or use mass transit to save on fuel consumption. Every gallon of gasoline you save avoids 22 pounds of carbon dioxide emission. Imagine the immense contribution you can do on your part.
Plant Trees. As the saying goes, “the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” Its ability to absorb carbon dioxide thereby decreasing the level of it in the atmosphere can negate the factors of global warming. Also, the protection that shields us from natural disaster, the oxygen that it provide us, as well as the refuge they give to animals can help make this planet a completely better place to live in.
We may do little things individually in our simple ways to help protect our ailing mother earth, but it can stir a big difference. As Efren Penaflorida, 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, said it, “you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be.”