Nowadays, people constantly talk about climate change. This topic is very timely because, in recent years, extreme changes in environment and weather have begun to occur. While modern conveniences are a delight, it seems that affluence and the bi-product of technology, pollution, is at an all-time high.
From corporate greed to wasteful consumers, a great deal of natural resources are being depleted to a minimum. Many forests, once lush with trees, are now bare and empty. And bodies of water, particularly the ocean, are becoming dumping grounds. Some shady seafaring companies resort to extreme measures or “research” that kills marine wildlife. And, un-savvy beach-goers are littering the beach with trash. With the oceans making up the largest mass of Earth, it’s important that we protect that precious resource.
In recognition of World Oceans Day, here are ways to minimize your carbon footprint.
Minimize electricity use. Using electricity requires power generation, which is often achieved by burning fossil fuels in power generation plants miles away. Use technology, like motion sensor lights or smart surge protectors to minimize you unintended electrical use. You can also update lightbulbs to CFL’s and appliances to Energy Start compliant versions to reduce electrical consumption from powering existing devices.
Using fewer plastic-made products is also a great way to lessen one’s carbon footprint. Many forms of plastic materials are not biodegradable and could potentially add harmful chemicals to the ground. Plastic grocery bags also have a way of finding themselves in the ocean where they accumulate and build land masses of garbage or are mistaken as turtles and eaten by sea life only to be injured or die as a result.
When eating seafood, choose sustainable providers. Taking too much too soon from the ocean will cause the supply of fishes and other marine life to diminish. Avoid unscrupulous commercial fishing companies that exploit natural resources.
In the end, what is important is that you take the time to learn and educate yourself about the ocean and marine life. By doing so, you will be able to inform not only yourself but others as well with regards to how we can all make a difference in keeping the ocean healthy and clean.
