Remember Dorian, the Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that pounded the East Coast, parts of Canada, Barbados, and other North American countries in September 2019? What about the stifling heatwave that swept the Midwest and West Pacific regions, with Death Valley recording a 130º Fahrenheit temperature, in mid-August just this year? And there are still droughts, landslides, floods, etc., to look back on.
What do they have in common? These are just some natural disasters that have become more devastating in recent years because of climate change. And of course, we are all to blame because we’re not taking great care of our planet. But it’s not yet too late. We can still do something to help save Mother Earth. Take a look at some simple things each of us can do to protect our planet.
At home
Saving Mother Earth should all start in your very own homes. For one, you should make a conscious effort to reduce your energy consumption. Turn off the lights, home appliances, and tech gadgets whenever they’re not in use. Do away with the lights by drawing your shades or curtains open to let natural light in during the day. While at it, you can also open your windows to let in the fresh air, so you wouldn’t have to use your HVAC system all the time.
Even better, if you’re planning to build a house, why not have an environmentally friendly custom home built for you? Houses like these have features like solar panels and mechanical ventilation, making the homes environmentally friendly right from the get-go.
At Work
Apart from your home, you probably spend most of your time at work. Make it a point, then, to do acts that’ll help protect the planet at your place of work. One of the easiest ways to do this is to go paperless. Write, read, review, and edit files on your computer to avoid having to print documents. But if you do need to print, use both sides of the paper or use scrap paper.
You can also go paperless at work by bringing your own mugs, bottles, containers, utensils, and bags, so you don’t have to use cups, plates, boxes, and wrappers made from paper when you buy your lunch. It actually would be better altogether if you bring your own food as well. Besides going paperless, you should reduce your energy consumption by shutting down your laptop or desktop at the end of each day.
In transit
Even when you’re traveling, you can still help save the environment. If you’re traveling a short distance, for example, consider walking or riding your bike instead of driving your car. Both activities will be good not only for the planet (no fuel used) and for your health (great forms of exercise). Plus, walking and cycling will give you a chance to better enjoy the outdoors.
However, if you’re going somewhere too far to walk or bike, take mass transport like the bus or train. Taking mass transport results in lesser fuel consumption than driving your car or taking a cab or Uber because you’re sharing the ride with many people. When commuting to work, join a carpool, so everyone in your group can reduce their fuel use, too.
Only Home Everyone’s Got
One way or another, we’ve all experienced the devastation that natural disasters can bring, and we have no one to blame for this but ourselves. We have been taking Mother Earth for granted. But it’s not yet too late to change this. We can still do our part to help save the planet—the only home everyone’s got.
