Take action: go green: here are some simple things that you can do to help save the environment

Science World, April 16, 2007 by Mona Chiang

REDUCE E-WASTE

WHY: Electronic goods contain toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury. When disposed of improperly, the toxins could leach into the environment.

HOW:

(1.) Do not dispose of your old TV, MP3 player, or other electronics with your regular trash. Bring it to your local electronics-recycling center.

(2.) Before you purchase a new computer, consider this: Can you get the new functions you want just by upgrading the software in your current computer?

(3.) If you're buying a new computer, see if the store has a trade-in offer. Many companies will recycle your old computer and give you a discount toward buying a new one.

(4.) Donate your old cell phone. Some charities provide people in need with free refurbished phones to use during emergencies.

CONSERVE ENERGY

WHY: Emissions from burning fossil fuels--such as coal, oil, and gas--contribute to global warming, or an increase in Earth's average temperature.

HOW:

(1.) Using a gas-powered lawn mower for one hour produces as much pollution as driving an average car for 547 kilometers (340 miles). If you have a small lawn, use a manual lawn mower instead. For larger lawns, consider using an electric mower--it produces fewer pollutants than a gas-powered model.

(2.) If no one is going to be in a room, switch off the room's appliances such as lights, TV, and stereo.

(3.) Use energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. They produce the same amount of light as regular bulbs, but use 75 percent less energy.

(4.) Keep your refrigerator between 1.7[degrees]C and 3.3[degrees]C (35[degrees]F and 38[degrees]F). A fridge that is 6[degrees]C (10[degrees]F) cooler than this range uses approximately 25 percent more energy.

SAVE WATER

WHY: The world's water consumption has nearly doubled in the last 50 years. AS the world's population continues to increase, water shortages could result.

HOW:

(1.) Tighten drippy faucets. A tap that leaks one drop of water per second wastes approximately 9,085 liters (2,400 gallons) of water a year.

(2.) Do not use your toilet as a garbage can. It takes 7.5 to 26.5 liters (2 to 7 gallons) of water to flush a toilet.

(3.) Store a large bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator. That way, every time you want to drink cold water, you won't need to let the tap run until it gets cool.

(4.) Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth. A running tap gushes approximately 7.5 liters (2 gallons) of water per minute.

SLASH TRASH

WHY: The average American generates approximately 4.5 pounds of waste per day. Most trash clogs landfills. As a result, many landfills have shut down due to reaching maximum trash-holding capacity.

HOW:

(1.) Paper is responsible for 40 percent of a landfill's content. Avoid wasting a paper cup each time you buy latte at the coffee shop. Instead, bring your own washable mug.

(2.) Most pens have a plastic casing that is nonbiodegradable, or can't break down naturally over time. Purchase biodegradable pens or use pens with refillable ink cartridges instead.

(3.) Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Some stores even give "bag credit"--a small discount--to customers who use their own bags.

(4.) Reduce junk mail. If you are receiving unwanted shopping catalogues, contact the companies and instruct them to remove your address from their mailing lists.