As the saying goes, if you want to change the world, you have to change yourself first as an individual. Also, if you are part of the problem then you have to be part of the solution.
World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated annually on 5 June and is the United Nations’ primary vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
It was first held in 1974, about 48 years ago, it has since been a stage for raisin awareness on environmental issues such as marine pollution, humam overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. World Environment Day is a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually.
In order to avert the rising environmental issues facing the world, it is down on us (you and I) to be environmentally conscious in protecting areas of attractive countryside such as rivers, coasts, lakes, mountains and moors, wildlife habitats like woods, hedges, wetlands (marshes) and historic sites like castles, industrial museums and stately homes.
It’s high time that we as individuals must contribute to protect and sustain our environment. Day in day out, billions of moneys are spent by both government agencies such as Forestry Commission, Natural England and some conservationists groups like National Trust, Woodland Trust, RSPB, English Heritage, Environment Agency and Zoomline Ghana our very own.
For us not to make their effort go in vain, then this is the time for us to take these proactive measures to protect the environment and to make a difference. All that we want to achieve at the end of the day is environmental sustainability.
Remember, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Chinese Proverb. Here are a few simple ways with which you can use to make a difference in our environment.
1. PLANT MORE TREES
Yes! Plant more trees because they are the utmost source of oxygen that eradicates carbon dioxide and provide fresh and pure air to breathe. We need clean fresh air for our human survival. Can you pay the hospital bills if you keep inhaling populated air? Then let’s do the right thing by planting more trees.
2. SAVE ELECTRICITY
Always switch off all your electrical gargets such as the light, fan or Air Condition (A.C) when you walk out of the room or when you do not need them. Iron your cloths in bulk.
3. SAVE WATER
Water is a natural resource and its supply is finite, therefore, to preserve our environment and minimize the effect of drought, it is obligatory to conserve water. Yes we need to conserve water. Take short showers. Do not keep the tap water running when you are washing dishes. Don’t waste too much of water while flushing the toilet. It takes a great number of resources to get fresh and clean water delivered to your house, so please don’t waste it and use it intelligently to reduce the burden on the government.
4. GO PAPERLESS OR USE LESS PAPER
Do you know about 15 billion trees are cut down each year in the world, and much of the paper created from these trees are going towards books and textbooks? Check this statistics; on the average, one textbook contains around 700 pages. One tree can produce about 8,333 sheets of paper. 626,000 tons of paper are used to produce books every year in the United States. An estimated 30 million trees were cut down last year to produce textbooks. Many trees are cut down every year to produce paper. So by saving paper, you can do a huge favor to conserve the environment. Don’t take printouts unless it’s necessary. Don’t avail the magazine subscriptions. Take notes on your mobile, instead of paper for immediate use.
5. SAVE FUEL
Walking or riding your bicycle to commute to work, school, and other places will cut down the fuel consumption and burn some calories that is also beneficial for your health Or you can also take public transport. Stop the car when stuck in a jam or at the red light. You can also invest in a fuel-efficient car. Adopting these measures will save the fuel and reduce greenhouse gases in the environment. Go in for electric cars if you can afford one.
Let’s put our minds to it and it will be possible for us to achieve these objectives with regards to our environment. Please be considerate in your activities in your surroundings.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
