A popular aphorism says, ‘the Earth is what we all have in common’. This connotes that we all have a part to play in ensuring that mother Earth, is efficiently and judiciously managed. It also means we have individual contributions towards conserving and protecting the earth’s natural resources for the ‘good of all’.
Below are six simple ways you as an individual can be more environmentally friendly wriiten by environmentalist, Filani Iyanuoluwa…
Adequate disposal of waste
Not having efficient waste disposal systems in your community is not enough alibi to dispose waste anywhere or anyhow. You can contribute your quota towards sustainable environmental practices by ensuring wastes such as bottles, nylons, bags, papers are properly disposed of after contents are utilized or consumed. Littering of any form should be avoided and brought to a halt in quarters where this is the norm. Stacks of garbage and trash should be rightly disposed into trash bins or dustbins to prevent eyesore and air pollution.
Practice conservation
There are several ways in which you can practice conservation in your home. Some of such practices include switching off the lights off in rooms that you aren’t using, allowing clothes to dry naturally, covering your pans adequately during cooking, utilizing energy-saving lightbulbs and operating other domestic appliances on low-energy settings etc. These are imperative for conservation because it ensures low energy consumption or utilization, thereby reducing the effect of greenhouse emission in communities where they still rely on fossil fuel-based energy sources.
Water conservation
Water conservation is essential in preventing water wastage or abuse of the already limited resource. Water is a scarce commodity in some localities, hence, the need to judiciously utilize it cannot be overemphasized. Water can be conserved by using only the needed amount of water during house chores, repairing leaking pipes, closing running tap when not in use, utilizing water-saving appliances and recycling domestic water etc. Utilizing the exact amount of water ensures that water is properly managed, thereby eliminating the need for frequent pumping and filtering. Energy is saved in the process.
Advocate for environmentally friendly activities
Another way through which you can contribute towards a cleaner environment is advocating for environmentally friendly activities. One way to achieve this is to join a volunteering organization or environmental group concerned with combating unfriendly environmental practices and fighting against air, land and water pollution. Growing of personal gardens and trees, purchasing locally grown products etc should be encouraged.
Educate others
You can spread the knowledge of the importance of environmental friendliness by telling friends and associates, giving talks on practising friendly environmental activities or organizing seminars on domestic waste conversion technologies. The effect of educating others in fostering environmental friendliness may not be fathomable, however, it goes long way in ensuring everyone contributes to the goal. Always remember that the more the knowledge spread, the more we can collectively fight unhealthy environmental practices.
Purchasing only what you need
Buying only what is needed is important in two ways. First, it helps to prevent resource wastage and then it helps to save money. The former directly contribute to the improper disposals in homes and community at large as waste systems are not capable of handling the waste generated. More so, It has been proven that 20-50% of the food we buy end up in landfills. Hence, food that deteriorates quickly come in different apportioned sizes to ensure consumers buys only what they able to consume at once to prevent food wastage.