Earthday is a great time to reflect on what each of us can do to improve our environment and critically analyze our habits. One of the great things about Earthday is that you can take some time to do little things, that if implemented on a large scale, can have a great effect. I have been reading a book called “The World Without Us” by Alan Wesiman (available from the Bethlehem Public Library - where I got a copy). One of the startling passages is about a huge swirling island of plastic refuse stuck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. A lot of that refuse is from grocery store plastic bags. My wife and I have many time seen the same display of plastic bags stuck in trees near the Albany landfill. So, if you want to do something that is both good for the environment and low cost, give up plastic shopping bags. Hannaford and Price Chopper both sell reusable bags or you can do what I do - get paper bags. Paper bags are a little better than plastic because they biodegrade and to tell you the truth, I like carrying them better.
Another great way to celebrate Earth Day is to take a “car holiday.” Take a bike to work, walk (if you can) or take the bus. You could even take a bike to the grocery store if you need to run out for a few things. You’ll see (as I did) that there’s a lot of times where we jump in the car - but could just as easily walk or bike. Actually Bethlehem is hosting a bike to work day in May that is a great time to participate.
Third, a low cost way to decrease consumption is to replace incandescent bulbs with other energy-saving technology. While there is some controversy concerning the eventual disposal of compact flourescents, they are just one option for incandescent replacement. Recently I saw an LED-based lightbulb that used one-tenth of the energy of a regular incandescent lightbulb. Energy efficient appliances are another way to reduce consumption.
Earthday is just one day — but there are other opportunties this week to optimize efforts to recycle. One of these days is WNYT Earth Day Electronic & Air Conditioner Collection, this Saturday April 26. For more details click on the link. On Friday April 25 is Arbor Day. My family got a jump on this by replacing a tree that was damaged in the big storm this year with a native species tree.
Finally, a great way to celebrate Earth Day is to make it a point to bring it up in your conversations throughout the day. Passing along the important message of environmental stewardship to others is a great step towards helping the planet.
Thanks for your time and Happy Earthday!
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