By Tia L.S. Holmes
You don’t have to wait for Thursday, April 22, to celebrate Earth Day. There are changes you can implement right now to make every day an Earth Day.
Even, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley is a documented supporter of environmentalism. He declared Maryland an official Earth Hour state and turned off the lights in his own home in support of the worldwide event.
During Earth Hour, states, countries, celebrities, and citizens join forces to turn out nonessential lighting and electricity. Scheduled for the final Saturday of each March, this year’s third annual Earth Hour event fell on March 27 at 8:30 p.m.
With respect to the governor, yourself, and the environment, here are the “Rs” that the EPA and other environmental organizations suggest will help defeat climate change and its harsh effects.
Reduce. Lessen the amount of items or resources you consume by using only the amounts you need and by looking for alternatives that will reduce use.
* Buy permanent items instead of disposables.
* Buy and use only what you need.
* Buy products with less packaging.
* Buy products that use less toxic chemicals.
Reuse. Extend the life or re-purpose an item rather than throwing it away.
* Repair items as much as possible.
* Use durable coffee mugs.
* Use cloth napkins or towels.
* Clean out juice bottles and use them for water.
* Use empty jars to hold leftover food.
* Reuse boxes.
* Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
* Participate in a paint collection and reuse program.
* Donate extras to people you know or to charity instead of throwing them away.
* Reuse grocery bags as trash bags.
Recycle. Recycling is processing old used items in order that the material can be used to make new products. Recycle paper (printer paper, newspaper, mail, etc.), plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. If your community doesn’t collect at the curb, take them to a collection center.
Respond. Implement these changes in your life to be more environmentally conscious and become helpful in spreading awareness.
*Purchase some cool post-consumer products at
www.uncommongoods.com.
More information is available on these sites:
www.42explore.com/recycle.htm; www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm#recycle; www.cheasepeakebay.net/atschool.aspx?menuitem=16885
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