By Steve D. Treehugger
Forest Ranger
Out of the many hot-button issues one may see when glancing on CNN or across the pages of Newsweek or National Geographic, by far the most important is how global warming and pollution are affecting our environment. This issue is especially relevant considering Earth Day is on its way (April 22nd).
I know we hear these things so much. Some conservatives say we don’t have enough evidence, while some liberals want to do too much to fix it and not in the right manner. Then, there are those that are at least somewhat concerned. Let me tell you, this is an issue that we cannot ignore for much longer before it smacks us in the face like a sledgehammer.
We are killing our environment, and few seem to notice or care. Conservation biologists are begging the masses to start caring, and the only ones responding are greedy governments wanting to put caps on carbon emissions by charging a tax. Where will the taxed money go? Most likely, it will not go into research and development for fixing the problem – just to the pockets of those who already have too much.
“What’s the worry about the environment?”
“Is it really as bad as they say?”
“I think it’s too cold as it is; we could use a few extra degrees.”
If you say things like this, I just want you to be aware of how foolish you are. What you fail to realize is that the earth is a delicate bubble protecting us, and it is ALL we have! There is no alternative as of yet. We do not have the option of destroying our planet; if it goes we go with it! Yet, I know most will not believe me without at least a bit of evidence. Read ahead.
Environmental already is and will continue to make a huge impact on humans. There will be less available food. The fresh water will have evaporated significantly from the increased heat. In addition, the population just keeps going up and up. We may be able to sustain a large population right now, but nature could have something else in store for us in the future.
If things are in such bad shape, what are some alternatives we should consider in order to reduce our impact on the environment? Read as follows.
First and fore mostly, reduce, reuse and recycle. I mean EVERYTHING, not just paper, plastic, and glass. Recycle metal, old computer or car parts, wood. Resell books or clothes. Not only do you earn money by reselling things, but items placed in dumps release methane as they decompose – which is not good for the environment.
Buy vehicles that are hybrids, use fuel cells, or charge up on electricity. It’s not impossible; they are becoming cheaper every day. In India, the Nano was just released for a retail value of $2500. They are cheaper and save money on fuel.
Adopt children. Have one child of your own if that’s a goal, but adding to our population is not a smart idea. Do more than just consider this.
Turn off electrical devices when not in use (i.e. lights, stereos, etc.) Also, turn your air conditioning a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter. This even saves you money. Use energy efficient devices – which can also save you money. Carpool. Carpool. Carpool.
Guys, this is no joke. If you want humanity to survive, you have to make the difference – not just wait on someone else to do it. Do you want your children and their children to remember your generation as the one that didn’t give a damn? Get off your rear and celebrate Earth Day this year!
