Although the term “Environment” is vast and varied,
the basic modeling is combined by the physical environment and the biological
life forms. Thanks to us humans and our never ending demands, the environment
is now facing a number of problems that include Global warming, Ozone
Depletion, Pollution in every form possible and population. The Earth’s
biosphere can’t take no more and it’s high time we did our bit to save the
environment.
A
few ways you could contribute to save Environment
Quit
smoking:
Smoking is one of the major indoor air pollutant and
many people still have this life threatening habit. Although you want to
continue with this habit and harm your health, it is definitely unfair to put
the health of people around at stake. Prevent passive smoking by not smoking in
indoors and while travelling in public transports etc.
Say
no-no to plastic:
Despite of every one quite aware about Plastic bags
being one of the biggest contributors to global warming, we still use them
quiet carelessly and throw them away with organic waste or dump them in the
land fill sites. It takes almost 500 years for a plastic bag to decompose and
in the process it creates many harmful gasses; so reducing the use, recycling
and reusing the plastic is very important to combat global warming.
Add
house plants to your home:
A House plant not only adds to the esthetics of a
room but also helps in maintaining temperature by adding moisture to the air
and reduces airborne bacteria, fungi and other unhealthy pollutants. Plants
renew the stale indoor air by replacing carbon dioxide we exhale with life
sustaining oxygen. Two house plants per 100 sq feet will detoxify the air
better than any disinfectant spray or air freshener. The pollutants are
absorbed through the leaves of the plants, so it is advised to keep the leaves
clean and have good air circulation around them. Since the filtration of the
air is done by leaves, the fast growing plants are seen to give better results.
Bugs’ coming to the plants is a real time problem
and can be solved very effectively by using a green spray which is prepared by
soaking citrus rind (lemon, orange) in water for 3-4days. Remove citrus rind
and pore the water into a spray pump to spray on plants. Rose leaves can also
be added to the solution to add fragrance.
Start
your day early:
In ester times people used to wake up early so that
they can finish all the work to be done before sunset. But now with the
presence of electricity and artificial lighting one does not see any need in
waking up early. From the reports 35% of the energy consumed in a house in
India is consumed in lighting a house after sun set. So, waking up early is not
only going to keep you healthy but also will make you save energy and cut down
your electricity bills.
Conserve
water:
Water is one basic need to live life and it is
becoming an ever scarcer resource. One should opt for an apartment which has
water harvesting or if you have your own personal house then, get the water
harvesting system installed. Switch to the latest low flush toilets, use shower
wisely and run your washing machine and dish washer to the full load only, to
decrease wastage of water.
Conserve
electricity:
It is better to switch to Fluorescent light bulbs as
they consumes 75% less energy and have more life time in comparison to
incandescent light bulbs. Make it a point to defrost your food before you
microwave it and let the food cool down to room temperature before putting it
into the refrigerator. Be sure to unplug your machines like TV , computer etc
before leaving for a trip because stand-by functions in them consumes
electricity even if they are turned off. Switch your garden light to solar
lights when possible for you. If you are buying a new refrigerator, air
–conditioner or any other electrical appliances you should check the star
rating as energy efficient systems with higher star rating consume 10-50% less
water and electricity.
Kitchen
waste management:
It seems little disgusting to do the kitchen waste
management but the advanced products in the market have made it quite easy. A
stainless steel kitchen composter with carbon filters is readily available in
the market which makes the whole process odor less. The compost generated acts
as fertilizer so can be used in house plants.
Use
Public transportation:
According to studies 30% of carbon-dioxide is added
to the environment by private transportation. We understand that using public
transportation is not convenient all times but, one can always car pool. Try
the option of taking a walk if you have to pick bread from the grocery store or
travel a small distance. Your little effort will help in reducing the demand of
petrol and traffic on roads and will also better your physical health.
Save
trees by reducing the use of paper:
If you are still used to buying the old fashioned
newspaper, it’s high time you switch to the internet for news. Try to reuse one
side printed paper by cutting into two halves, to use them for writing your
grocery list or making other notes. Replace the use of paper tissues by using
hand towels.
