Spring is here and everything is budding out. It’s so easy to appreciate Mother Earth in the springtime. I like to take some time each day to enjoy something nature has to offer – birds chirping, a sunset or sunrise, our beautiful snow covered mountains, our sweet dog Gabby and many other things. In addition to appreciating nature and all the earth has to offer, it’s also a good time to consider climate change. Here are some environmental facts. Globally we produce about 310 million tons of plastic each year which is about 83 pounds per person. The energy usage of the average American emits about 5 tons of CO2. Animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to climate change. But there are also many “good news” stories of people working to help the environment and there are plenty of actions we can take. Here are a few.
- Eliminate plastic bags when shopping.
- Go meatless and dairy-less one or two days a week. http://www.delectableplanet.com has recipes.
- Grow a garden or participate in a community garden.
- Have a home energy audit.
- Write or call your representatives supporting the Green New Deal if you do support it.
- Write or call your representatives supporting the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act if you
support it. Citizens’ Climate Lobby has a similar plan. http://www.CitizensClimateLobby.org - Donate or volunteer for an environmental organization.
- Support the education of girls worldwide.
Suggested reading and viewing if you would like to learn more:
- Drawdown by Paul Hawken
- An Inconvenient Sequel – Truth to Power by Al Gore or the dvd by the same title
- Cradle to Cradle – Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart
Love the earth! Enjoy the earth! Save the earth!
Love to all,
Barbara Weirich
CSLBV member
