YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A CHANGE!

Okay, we all know its not easy to change the world overnight. However, YOU have the power to make a substantial change in the environment!!

Just as a little drop of water in a pool makes the ripple effect, the same happens when each one of us makes a decision to make a change, starting with ourselves. Doing things differently individually will lead towards making a difference in the environment collectively.

There are so many things that you can do, just by taking a second look at the way you do things daily!


If you're in school, and you take the schoolbus or train, then you've already taken the first step towards making that difference! With millions of cars on the road everyday, that totals to huge amounts of harmful carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide being emitted on a daily basis. Not only does this pollute the environment, it is also harmful to humans. By deciding to car-pool, take the bus or train, we are reducing the number of cars on the roads, and also reducing our individual carbon footprint. Better still, if you live really close by to your school, take a walk instead!

Another fantastic way to keep a tab on saving the environment is by practising the 4R2C (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Compost, and Close the Loop). the 4R2C is a concept that advocates a zero waste system. It is a concept that makes you an environmentally wise consumer by reducing, reusing and preventing waste, and maximising recycling. This concept also ensures that waste is recycled back to nature, and finally placed back into its market place.

A simple way to apply this to everday life is to keep remembering the 4R2C. For example, before throwing something out, think if you really have to - if you can reuse it or recycle it, do that instead!

Closing the Loop is not as tricky as you think - it simply means buying things that are recycled and not things that are made new! Did you know that by buying things made from recyclable items, you are actually helping to save Earth? Just look for the recyle mark - the three arrows that make a circle - on packaging of products. Recyclable products are made from things that have already been used. It takes less energy to make recycled products than to make new ones. Therefore, the less energy we use, the better.

The most waste that we may be producing in a day probably comes from our kitchens. Well, the simplest method to reduce that is by listening to our parents - don't waste food!
What about other ways? One method to reduce kitchen waste is by composting it. Like the name suggests, composting is the decomposition of plant materials and other kitchen wastes. Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste, and it also makes a great fertiliser and garden soil.

Using electricity wisely is important, as the more we use, the more greenhouse gases end up in the atmosphere. At work or school, we could try to remind ourselves and our friends to save electricity. Use post-its by the switches to serve as reminders. At home, switch off the lights and power sources that are not in use. The more we save, the less GHGs are released into the atmosphere.

Finally, remember to encourage your friends and family to do the same! Its all about spreading the word - tell them how simple it is to save the planet, anyone can do it! All it takes is a little change.

These are just a couple of ways you can help to save the environment. The most important thing to remember is - YOU have the power to make a change! Just change a few habits, and they will go a long, long way.

Live Green and help to save our Earth!