Did you know that our coral reefs, fish, turtles, and crustaceans are in danger? You can help save them this Earth Day by doing something in your daily life to go green
There are many animals, plants, and insect species that are threatened or endangered because their homes are being destroyed by human activities and climate change. We can do simple things in our daily lives to help preserve natural habitats and keep these species from going extinct.
Here are a few:
Reduce the amount of plastic you use.
Bring your own reusable bags (like the IT&E tote you get when you signed up for a plan) when grocery shopping instead of using plastic bags. Plastic bags are one of the top 10 items collected globally on coasts, according to the International 2020 Coastal Cleanup Report, along with straws, cigarette butts, plastic bottles and bottle caps, and others.
Reduce the amount of paper you use.
Sign up for electronic billing, like IT&E’s eStatements to help reduce the demand for paper. The demand for paper and paper goods has led to the deforestation and the destruction of animals’ habitats worldwide. You could also use your phone to take notes to avoid using paper. You could even use the voice recorder during lectures or meetings and listen later.
Take pictures, not souvenirs when you visit the outdoors.
The picture on your phone is worth a thousand words and definitely more than a piece of coral you took while swimming, snorkeling, or diving. (And while we’re on the topic, please avoid stepping on them, too.) Another threat to species is the introduction of invasive species, so don’t take home any animals or plants as they could threaten your local ecosystem.
Reduce the carbon emissions from your car.
Save yourself a drive by carpooling; switching to mobile banking; or meeting via teleconference, conference call, or online meeting rooms instead of driving to meet physically. You can also use Google Maps to find the shortest route to your destination and to get traffic alerts to avoid idling in traffic.
Please don’t dump.
Find out where recycling can be done in your community. If you’re on Guam, bookmark this page on your phone’s internet browser from Guam Solid Waste Authority. If you’re in the CNMI, bookmark this page form the CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality. These websites provide a list of recycling companies that will take cardboard, old appliances, batteries, cans, and other recyclables off your hands so you can avoid just dumping them in the jungle or throwing them in the dumpster.
A lot of the things we use in everyday life are dangerous to animals that might eat it or have chemicals that are bad for the environment if it leaks into the earth.
Practice conservation.
By using less water, you can help prevent runoff or wastewater to flow into the oceans and by using less power you help to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Check your monthly water and power consumption to help you decide how you can make changes.
For example, in Guam download the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority app or bookmark paygpa.com and paygwa.com on your phone’s internet browser. In the CNMI, book mark the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation. not only can you pay online and save yourself a drive, you can also view your power and water consumption.
You may also want to consider investing in a smart thermostat, which controls your air-conditioner remotely, keeps track of how much energy you use and can adjust temperature to changing weather conditions.
Earth Day is a good time to commit to an Act of Green. What you do today, could help preserve our earth for future generations. To learn more about how species are threatened and how you can help protect the environment, check out earthday.org.
