Restoration is the overarching theme for this year’s Earth Day celebrations and we have taken on the duty of informing the public of the atomic contributions one can make to save our blue planet.
Why does the world celebrate this day?
It goes without saying, humanity has accelerated at a phenomenal rate. We managed to shrink a room-sized computer into a super-intelligent device that fits into our pocket.
We use radiation to warm up our food — even cook it at times — in minutes, thanks to the microwave; and, the trees that give us oxygen are also excellent sources of medicine, paper and clothing.
These great advancements have shaped life on our planet but that has come at a hefty cost. Releasing toxic gasses into our atmosphere has altered the state of our climate. Every season, we are treated to unusual acts of god that threaten our very existence.
Climate change and the pillaging of our natural resources are some of the most pertinent issues addressed on Earth Day. This global observance is used as a way of educating the masses and driving actionable campaigns the world can participate in.
In South Africa, the topic of climate change is starting to hold relevance due to bizarre meteorological events that have recently taken place.
While government and other non-profit organisations working in nature conservation are confronting the issue, the onus still lies on the general public to contribute towards ‘restoring the earth’ with atomic actions.
Five ways to celebrate Earth Day in South Africa
We have drafted five easy ways you can celebrate Earth Day this year, and they are:
Pick up litter
This requires no effort at all. If you do happen to be walking around and come across litter, do the right thing and pick it up. It costs R0 to contribute towards building a clean environment.
Don’t buy plastic
Plastic is non-biodegradable. This means that it doesn’t wither away like most materials. This poses a great threat to our environment and more importantly, sea life.
On Earth Day, start a new habit by using paper and other biodegradable plastic alternatives.
Use less water
Water is an essential source of life and we all need it. However, unnecessary use of it is rampant and we can contribute towards preserving what we have by not wasting it.
So, before you water that garden, consider the wastage and find alternative ways to feed your plants and lawns.
Plant a tree
One of the most impactful contributions towards Earth Day is planting a tree. It is an investment in the future of our environment and that tree will live on for generations, feeding the atmosphere fresh oxygen for our great-grandchildren.
Don’t pollute the air
Avoid air pollution as much as possible. For the regular human being, burning plastics and releasing toxic gasses are things you can avoid on Earth Day.