Every October 15th, bloggers around the world unite to get people talking about one of the important issues facing us today. This year's issue: Climate Change.
I am pretty passionate about this, people. In less than 10 years, the North Pole will have an ice-less summer. We are seeing multiple degree changes in the temperature every year, countries having hotter than normal summers, colder than normal winters, and extreme weather events like super storms, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, and tornadoes. Whether you're Republican or Democrat, Liberal or Conservative, few can deny that the world is changing, and human beings are the ones mostly responsible for that. We can bury our heads in the sand or shout at the rain, or we can choose to do something about the damage we've done.
A few easy tips:
-Save money and save the planet: Switch your lightbulbs! It sounds like it wouldn't make much difference, but consider this:
Most electricity in the U.S. is produced by coal-fired power plants. The problem is that for every kilowatt hour of electricity generated by a coal-fired plant, the EPA estimates that 1.43 lbs of greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. By switching to energy-saving CFL light bulbs, you lessen greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. CFL bulbs use 65%-75% less electricity than regular bulbs. (onebillionbulbs.com)
-Buy less bottled water and carry a reusable non-BPA bottle. Consider these statistics:
Americans use over 50 billion disposable plastic water bottles a year
The average American consumes 167 bottles of water a year
Only 23% of these get recycled.
In 2007 we spent $16 billion on bottled water. That's more than we spent on iPods or movie tickets.
90% of the cost of bottled water is due to the bottle itself
24 million gallons of oil are needed to produce a billion plastic bottles
Plastic bottles take 700 years to begin composting (weather.com)
-Finally, buy recycled, upcycled, and eco-friendly products. Not only do they look cool, but they promote more recycling; it's supply and demand, people!
Some of my favorite eco-friendly shops:
Gaiam
Seventh Generation
Viva Terra
John and Kira's Chocolates
22 comments:
I'm 100% with you, sitsta!!
Oh, and happy day to you!
We've been trying to be environmentally responsible for so long, it is second nature!
Happy SITS day.
Thanks for the suggestions. When I get back from SITScation I am changing all of my light bulbs!
Ooh, I don't want to get into a big, huge debate on your SITS day. (Congratulations, btw!)
BUT, what about the fact that global temperatures have actually cooled over the last 10 years as carbon dioxide levels have increased?
I'm all for taking care of the planet. I think it's our responsibility to be good to the earth. I'm a recycler and I hate wasting. But I do it because it's right, not because I believe we are killing the planet.
I'm passionate about the environment sista too!
Nice to meet you:)
Gladly i follow you, hope you link with my blog too.
xx
Yes, Karen! It's natural fluctuation! And FYI, if it were true it's not the planet that will die, it's the humans.
Dropping in from SITS - love your blog I'll be back!
This is a great way to contribute. i switched all of ours several years ago and still have not had any burn out. I absolutely love your blog, found you through SITS and am now following. We have many of the same jobs/hobbies. Hope you come look around at Bee Wise Bags, I just posted a Victorian Doll tutorial a few days ago. :) :)
http://www.beewisebags.com
Two years ago, I gave up plastic bags...I now am pretty good about always bringing my green bags with me whenever and where ever I shop! I am successful at this about 95% of my shopping trips. If I don't have my green bag and I buy something small, I tell them that I don't need the bag...usually they think I'm crazy, but hey it's my one thing.
My family is making recycling a major part of our lives. Thanks so much for the information. Have an awesome day.
happy SITS day!
Happy SITS Day!
Who knew it was Blog Action Day!
I wish I'd have known so that I could have put out an informed entry on climate change. Whether you believe that the climate changes we've recently experienced are 'normal' or a result of pollution, taking care of the earth is our responsibility & there are many ways each of us can contribute. Thanks for the thought provoking entry!
Greetings from SITS and congrats on being the featured blogger. I have to admit, we were late adopters on a lot of the things you suggest but my nine year old has been the perfect advocate for the environment. So if we get lazy, she cracks the whip! :-)
Wonderful reminder, I've been trying to be better each year! ps: love your previous 'wedding' post by the way... I have 'heart/love' theme going on lately as well! All we need is LOVE, amen!
;)
happy SITS day and great blog!
Cameron
www.conquerthemonkey.com
Hi and happy SITS day! I posted for Blog Action Day too! All about working with your kids to teach and help save our planet. Woo hoo!
Glad to meet you now following! You can check out my blog at www.mommywords.com
We have been good to earth for years. We have a worm bucket, and have had one for 10 years. All of our scraps and paper go to the worms, so it can return to the earth.
I believe it is good for us, and our earth. I also believe that the earth continues to change.
Happy SITS day!
Our family in continually working on this...I always like to hear about new ways in which we can be more environmentally responsible. Thanks!
Holly @ 504 Main
Good tips.
Happy SITS day! Great post - Climate Change is such a daunting issue, its good to remind people that there are actually things we can DO that do make a difference - and all the changes we make as individuals do add up!!
FYI Karen, Global Warming is something of a misnomer. Its not necessarily about the planet getting warmer, although with melting glaciers the world over and reducing ice at the poles that is obviously an issue - the real problem is Climate CHANGE. And there is really no denying that that is happening.
I'm a rather passionate about our earth and keeping it clean and beautiful. All too often I hear people screaming about the environment, yet they drive SUVs, vans and trucks. They waist fuels in their home and work place as well, and they shop and consume carelessly. I have attended a few earth rallies and a convention and even a protest.....all were left with trash and human waist EVERYWHERE. I spent an hour helping out with the pick up of the "green folks". As for the global warming.....I have read many books and articles by scientists that state that global warming is a lot of bunk made up by a small group of scientists and professionals who are making a fortune off it. They stated time and again that what harm that has been done was done thousands of years ago and any clean up now wont show effects for thousands of years to come. They report and site tests that demonstrate that the melting of the polar caps are just a cycle that has happened time and again.....and nothing we do can change it. But beyond all the fighting and fortunes (that they make), I like the idea that people should be kept in check and to look at their own actions because man kind tends to be a pig. I stopped counting how often I see dirty baby diapers in parking lots, parks and road sides. I don't understand why those who smoke, can't use the ashtray in their car and empty it at home in their own trash can instead of using the street. It is beyond ignorance when people spit out their gum on sidewalks and streets. It's tiresome when so many are with out, people throw away good food, clothing etc. But my biggest pet peeve is the so called "green people" who are selfish, lazy and thoughtless. They above all should know better.
Great post! you like to exchange links?
Missy
Enter my giveaway:
http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com
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