(Warning: This article contains a lot of green).
I’m certain we’ve all heard it a million times already, from all kinds of perspectives. Some choose to ignore it, and some have embraced it. It was going to be fact, sooner or later; as it’s pretty clear that Green is the new Black! Multitudes are going green all over the world: girls; boys; chipmunks!...have you?
This article is primarily based on Al Gore’s:An Inconvenient Truth; a documentary I watched a few years ago. It’s had a big impact on my life and each day from then, I’ve been trying to make a lifestyle change by being a Green Diva.
By definition, global warming is the rise in temperature of the earth’s oceans and atmospheres. Global warming, as you might know, is causing serious problems across the globe. I need to remind you that ice at the poles is melting and so water levels are rising; the whole ecosystem is being thrown off balance; it’s extremely hot or cold; drought, floods, hurricanes; all sorts of natural disasters!
The science behind it is that greenhouse gases have increased drastically over the years, and they are trapping infrared rays which are causing the rise in temperature.
Ways to help the sitch!
1. The obvious: plant trees. Especially deciduous trees. Whether it’s around your house or in your community; advocate for tree planting. Reforestation is a very funky word and deed!
2.
Walk! I got my driver’s licence a year ago and it’s sure fun, to be in the driver’s seat for once. But hey, if the store is just a few twenty minutes by foot; get your sunnies and hat on, and walk! Not only will this be one less carbon emitting vehicle on the road, it’s exercise for you. Walking exercises the body and the mind. You gotta love it.
3. Reduce, reuse, recyclllllllle! It’s all about recycling!
i.) If it has the badge, make it match! Start being picky. If the product you’re buying does not have a recycled logo on it, look away. Things like the paper you use for your printer, toilet tissue, anything really! It’s actually a load off the conscience when your products have been recycled.
ii.) Recycle cans, bottles, paper, plastic, newspapers. This will reduce carbon dioxide emissions caused by manufacturing them.
iii.) Recycle water. My dad has placed a big old rusty steel basin at the water outlet thingy-pipe outside our kitchen, to collect all the dirty dishwater. With this water, he waters his vegetable patch. I help him out everyday when I’m home to water to bigger fruit trees in our garden because I just love the initiative! Not only does saving water help with the water bill, it saves energy too. It saves the energy used to purify it, for firsties. (less carbon emissions)!
4. Like just mentioned, save water. Use less hot water... Install efficient shower heads if you have to. Saving hot water, is saving energy.
5. Speaking a whole lot of energy, switch off unnecessary appliances during the day. The geyser, the aircon, the heater, the fan, the telly, the lights, etc. Again, it’s not about the bill at the end of the month, it’s about saving energy. Insulate your geyser and your homes. Buy energy efficient appliances...and the list goes on and on.
6. Spread the word, and be an affiliate:
i.) Start with the family and community. If your community does not have recycling bins and stuff, then write or talk to the mayor or whoever is in charge, to make a change.
ii.) Join ‘Green Organisations’, and help out a much as you can as a member.
iii.) Talk about it, make presentations. I made a killer oral presentation three years ago in my class and they’re still talking about. Not only did I kick butt, I believe got the message across.
iv.) Write articles to local newspapers whenever you get the chance. Let your voice be heard, and to stick in the mind of the beholder. Navigate the cause across your perimeters because honey, it’s up to you!
A lot of efforts are being made across the globe to save our planet. I know I’m only one voice among many. I also know that you’ve read/ seen something like this many times before. My only hope and wish is that whoever you are, wherever you are- you join my wittle voice and go green! The time is now, it’s time to change.
Some links for more info:
Green Websites:
Online Organisations:
