Written by Jireh Estrada
Although the holidays have come to an end, we must address the importance of being eco-friendly during this season. With the gifts, food, the lights, and all that screams holiday, being eco friendly often fail to cross the mind. Here are three ways we can give the earth the gift it deserves by thinking green! Today we will be discussing the following topics: Shopping locally, Plant a Tree and Buy less Think More.
Shopping locally is a great way to think green during the holiday season! First, it contributes less to the greenhouse emissions and global warming effect in that less transportation is required. One way of shopping locally is by supporting your local small businesses. Small businesses pride themselves on being different from big brand name companies in that they often are more economically friendly! For instance, big companies mass produce many of their merchandise, often through machinery that contributes to greenhouse emissions and global warming. While on the other hand, smaller businesses make their products by hand, only making the amount that was ordered by the customer. In conclusion, shopping locally contributes less to greenhouse emissions and supports smaller businesses who are more eco friendly than big companies.
Decorating Christmas trees for the holidays has been a western tradition for many years. But what most people do not realize is that the loss of trees can impact climate change, soil erosion, increase greenhouse gases, all of which negatively affect our world. The solution is to replace what has been lost, by planting a tree! Planting trees can minimize the effects of climate change, this is done by removing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. This action counters the negative effects of cutting trees and ultimately purifies our air! Trees also serve as shelters for wildlife and thus boost biodiversity! In conclusion, planting a tree minimizes the effects of climate change and increases biodiversity.
We all know that one person who goes over and beyond during the holiday season. Specifically on the gifts purchased. That means we contribute to companies that mass produce products, create greenhouse gas emissions, and ultimately negatively impact our atmosphere. The solution is to buy less and think more! This can be accomplished by purchasing one significant gift as opposed to buying multiple with less importance. When a gift with greater significance is purchased it ensures that the recipient will prolong the usage before it's discarded. The present can differ from person to person, in that each recipient is unique in their way, that's why we use the saying "buy less think more." The think more aspect changes the giver's perspective of gift-giving. It places a focus on the needs and wants of the recipient.
The average household waste increased by 25% during the holiday season. This includes food waste, shopping bags, and gift wrapping supplies. All of which pile into our landfills, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and ultimately result in global warming. If each household implements some of the basic strategies mentioned above, we can all give the earth the gift it deserves!
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