Let’s save the world – together! by Zelpha A. Boyd
Now that sounds like a worthy project! I’ve recently read a book by Tatiana Schlossberg: Inconspicuous Consumption. There are so many things we do that contribute to climate change, including waste, buying so much more than we need. Every item wasted squanders the energy it took to produce it. All resources to make things come from the earth. It’s a book worth the read.
One thing that struck me was the waste of electrical power when we leave appliances, tools, computers, TVs, internet devices plugged in when not in use. Small amounts of power are consumed by those tiny lights! It won’t be much on our individual power bills, but multiply that by millions of us…
While wondering how to write about this, I came across the Climate Reality Project online. And naturally, there was an article on gardening and how growing plants helps the environment. Basic to our very existence, plants are essential to most of what we consume and to our environment. They consume carbon and give us oxygen.
Some of their suggestions worth paraphrasing include the following.
– Grow edible plants: saves grocery money, connects us to the earth in a meaningful way.
– Keep the soil covered: saves water, protects the soil, allows the micro creatures to thrive. These creatures make the soil what it is.
– Ditch the chemicals! Using only natural/organic materials feed the creatures and help restore the soil. Those harsh chemicals tend to destroy the good parts of the soil.
– Compost!! My middle name! Composting means putting back into the soil which has been taken from it. Save all those so-called wastes, allowing them to decompose back into soil.
– Plant perennials, especially trees and shrubs: saves time, helps restore oxygen while absorbing carbon.
– Use people power: it’s good exercise, saves gas/power, while eliminating polluting emissions from entering the environment.
– Get to know your garden: learn which plants do best and where. Consider shade/sun, water needs.
Now I know none of us will alone save the world, but each of us can do something. Knowledge is the most important and first thing to do. Read articles, converse with others, pull the plug, grow a garden…
The Climate Reality Project is a nonprofit organization that believes there is hope in unity and that together we can build a safe sustainable future. Find more about them at. •