The world around us
is in danger. The earth faces problems of global warming and massive pollution.
Our rainforest are disappearing. Animals in the rainforest are in danger
extinction.so are our natural resources. How can one person save the environment?
There are many things
that we as individuals can do to stop the destruction of the environment. We
should take green steps, that is, change our habits and lifestyles to stop
polluting and harming the world around us. After some contemplation, I know
that I can do to contribute towards saving our environment. I will practice the
3Rs – reduce, recycle, and reuse – my dictum in life. I will not be part of the
use-and-throw society.
Firstly, I can reduce
consumption of paper by using handkerchiefs. This will definitely save many
trees. Every kilogram of paper I do not use can save 2.5 kg of greenhouse gases.
I will also say ‘NO’ to plastic bags. Plastic is not biodegradable. How many
times have we read from newspapers of fish being choked to death because of
plastic bags? I will instead carry a cloth bag with me to carry all my
shopping.
As a result, there
will be less littering and pollution. Moreover, I will add to my ‘NO’ list of
disposables, especially Styrofoam and polystyrene containers. Again I will go
everywhere prepared. For my takeaways, I will bring my own tiffin carriers and
containers.
This will definitely
reduce the amount of rubbish I throw away. Of course, it be quiet inconvenient
but ‘little drops of water make the mighty ocean.
Another example of
what I can do is to reuse. I will use paper on both sides, reuse any paper and
cards. I will creatively reuse warping paper, ribbons, birthday cards. Every ton
of paper I reuse will save seventeen trees.
I can also do a
compost from my kitchen and garden. All the leftover food and garden trimmings
can form mulch and enrich the soil. Old toothbrush can be used for cleaning
shoes and walls and hundred other things. To do this alone is difficult, so I will
get help of my mother and the rest of the family.
Instead of an
individual effort, it becomes a family or class effort. It is more effective
this way. For example, if I can convince my ‘gang’ to separate paper, plastic,
glass and metals for recycling, it will really help to reduce the emission of
methane. Still another example is computer recycling. As we change our
computers and other related electronic products quiet quickly, we should sent
them to recycling companies that specialize in such work. Just throwing them
away will cause a major problem of disposal.
There seems a lot to
be done. I will start today. I will get my family and friends to participate in
earth hour. One small step toward saving the environment.
written by $yifa