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More than four decades after the first Earth Day, there are still many environmental
concerns for communities around the world to address; perhaps none so pressing as man-made
climate change. But progress is being made, and it could be argued that awareness about
environmental issues is at an all-time high. This Earth Day we're shining a light on the most
pressing environmental concerns that affect us all, and showing what you can do to help restore
CLIMATE CHANGE
events such as droughts, wildfires, heat waves and flooding will convince the public to put more
pressure on policymakers to act urgently to curb carbon emissions and address this issue before
What You Can Do: Your home and transportation could be major sources of greenhouse gas
emissions. A certified home energy audit can help make your home more energy efficient. If you
commute via biking, walking or public transportation you are doing your part to fight global
warming, but if you must own a motor vehicle, consider trading in your gas guzzler for a fuel
efficient hybrid or better yetgo electric. When you fly, make sure to reduce your carbon
footprint from air miles traveled with carbon offsets from a respected company such
as Carbonfund.org.
POLLUTION
think the smog is isolated to Beijing or Shanghai, think again. U.S. scientists
are finding that Chinese pollution is intensifying storms over the Pacific Ocean and contributing
Water and soil pollution might not get the media attention that air pollution does, but they
are still important public health concerns. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council,
dirty water is the worlds biggest health risk. While the Clean Water Act did much to make
American water safe from harmful pollutants, today there is a new threat to clean water coming
from the shale gas fracking boom taking place across the country.
Soil contamination is a major issue across the world. In China, nearly 20 percent of arable
land has been contaminated by toxic heavy metals. Soil pollution threatens food security and poses
health risks to the local population. The use of pesticides and fertilizers are also major factors in
soil pollution
What You Can Do: Many of the solutions to air pollution are similar to those for climate change,
though its important to either make a concerted effort to drive less, or switch to a lower-emissions
vehicle. Switching over to green energy is also important, as that will cut back on fossil fuel
emissions. If you arent able to install solar or wind power on your property or if your utility gets
its electricity from dirty energy sources, consider signing up for a renewable energy producer
like Ethical Electric that connects consumers to 100 percent renewable energy sources to power
their homes.
DEFORESTATION
also threatens animals and humans who rely on healthy forests to sustain themselves, and the loss
of tropical rainforests is particularly concerning because around 80 percent of the worlds species
reside in these areas. About 17 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been cut down in the past 50
years to make way for cattle ranching. Thats a double whammy for the climate because cattle
flatulence is a major source of methane gas, which contributes more to short term climate change
What You Can Do: You can support Rainforest Alliance and similar organizations, stop using
paper towels and use washable cloths instead, use cloth shopping bags (instead of paper), and look
at labels to make sure you only use FSC-certified wood and paper products. You can
also boycott products made by palm oil companies that contribute to deforestation in Indonesia
and Malaysia.
WATER SCARCITY
century more than a third of all counties in the lower 48 states will be at higher risk of water
shortages with more than 400 of the 1,100 counties facing an extremely high risk.
What You Can Do: Just as energy efficiency is considered an important solution to the issues of
climate change and pollution, water efficiency can help us deal with water scarcity. Some ideas to
be more water efficient include installing an ENERGY STAR-certified washer, using low-flow
faucets, plugging up leaks, irrigating the lawn in the morning or evening when the cooler air causes
less evaporation, taking shorter showers and not running sink water when brushing your teeth.
Also, consider using non-toxic cleaning products and eco-friendly pesticides and herbicides that
wont contaminate groundwater. Seventh Generation uses plant-derived ingredients for their
LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY
adapt to changing temperatures. According to the World Wildlife Funds Living Planet Index,
What You Can Do: As consumers we can all help protect biodiversity by purchasing products
that dont harm the environment. Next time you are at the grocery store, check to see if food
packaging contains any of the following eco-labels: USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified, Marine
Stewardship Council or Green Seal. Other product certifications include Forest Stewardship
Council Certification, Rainforest Alliance Certification and Certified Wildlife Friendly.
Also, reusing, recycling and composting are easy ways to protect biodiversity.
What You Can Do: Support sustainable agriculture that puts people and the planet above profit.
Show your support for sustainable agriculture by signing this Greenpeace campaign for a global
food system that feeds people, enables the small farmer to thrive, protects the soil, water and
climate, and promotes biodiversity. This is a system free from genetic engineering and chemical-
intensive agriculture. On a smaller scale, you can make a difference in your backyard by
website Eartheasy.com sells natural lawn care products such as corn gluten organic fertilizer.