Every year, people all over the world would turn off their lights for one hour during ‘Earth Hour’, in support of environmental protection . But that should not be the only time that people put their effort towards saving the environment. Environmental awareness is rapidly gaining importance
within the community. But just knowing and talking about it doesn’t help. Saving the planet sounds like a big responsibility, doesn’t it? But with plans in mind to save the Earth and the environment, there are a number of ways a person can make his or her daily routine more eco-friendly.
1. Say ‘NO’ to Plastic
Even though a lot of people are aware that plastic is one of the main environmental issue, we still use them because of convenience. Did you know that Malaysia is one of the first country in Southeast Asia to tackle plastic pollution? The government has begun implementing bans for plastic bags and single-use plastic such as straws for a better environment.
Plastics are bad for the environment because a lot of them are only used once then discarded. Keep in mind that plastic is a material made to last forever, and therefore does not biodegrade. Plastics also affects wildlife. Many wildlife mistaken plastics for food, and animals will not be able to digest them so it stays in their gut.
2. Plant Your Own Trees
Usually, trees are planted to provide shade and beautify our landscapes. It goes without saying that planting trees will definitely help the environment , but besides producing the oxygen that we breathe and removing carbon dioxide from the air, trees have other environmental benefits.
Trees improve our air quality by filtering contaminants from the air we breathe. With more trees, it will help reduce erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding. Other than that, many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.
3. Save Water
Water is a very important source of natural resources. Much of the water we use drains to local treatment plants before being returned to nearby lakes and rivers, but an overabundance of water drainage can lead to overflow that directly pollutes our natural habitat.
One of the simplest method of how to save water is to turn off the tap when brushing, this can save 6 litres of water per minute. Besides that, switching your bath for a shower can make a huge difference. Although taking a shower is a huge improvement from taking baths, remember to keep your showers short. This is because showers can use anything between 6 and 45 litres per minute.
4. Using Public Transportation
Public transportation not only provides an alternative to get to work or to school, it also has environmental benefits. Public transportation reduces the number of cars on the road, thus leading to less carbon emission and improving air quality.
Car exhaust emits gases that becomes one of the major cause of global warming. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which causes worldwide temperatures to rise. With less vehicles on the road, using public transportation also enable more efficient traffic flows for all vehicles, which in turn reduce fuel waste that comes from sitting in the traffic jam.
5. Use Solar System
There is an increasing number of people opting for a solar-powered system. Solar energy is a clean, affordable, and sustainable way for anyone to generate electricity. Solar energy comes from the Sun, the world’s most abundant energy source.
Solar energy provides benefits and has a positive effect on the environment. If you’re thinking about switching your home to solar, here are 3 advantages you should know about:
a) Reduces Air Pollution
Generating electricity with solar panels will not result in the production of greenhouse gases that can cause global warming.
b) Reduces Water Pollution
Solar photovoltaic cells does not require water to generate electricity. Traditionally, massive amounts of water is needed to facilitate their vital cooling requirements. With solar energy there is no pollution of local water resources.
c) Reduces the Need for Finite Resources
Fossil fuels which are being used as energy sources are non-renewable. This means they will eventually run out. Switching to solar energy is the best way to overcome this issue.
6. Share the Knowledge
A lot of people could be damaging the environment without even knowing because they do not have the knowledge. We are now at a tipping point where a series of small changes can make significant differences. Practicing an eco-friendly lifestyle is slowly gaining prominence, and it is up to us to pass on the knowledge and spread environmental awareness.