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Harsh winters, rising sea levels, and heat waves are warning signs that we are not taking care of our planet. It is our job to take the necessary steps to preserve Mother Nature.
After all, it is our only home. Earth day gives hope, by bringing millions of Americans together to stand in agreement for making a strong effort to promoting a healthy green walk of life.
Earth Day, an annual event to support environmental protection, began over two decades ago, on April 22, 1970, stimulating 20 million activists. Denis Hayes was the original coordinator in 1970, and organized events in 141 nations.
These events consist of a week of activities focused on environmental issues such as recycling parties, planting a tree, or car-pooling.
Global warming seems to be a reoccurring topic that is getting a lot of buzz. Whether you believe it or not, global warming is real. Celebrities like George Clooney, Cameron Diaz, and Morgan Freeman have been popular faces who promote “green” acts.
According to Live Science, Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate.
Human activity is changing the natural greenhouse. What does this mean? Due to pollution, we are creating holes within the ozone layer, shrinking icecaps, and more heat waves are taking place.
What can you do to fight Global Warming? According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels like oil and coal, are burned for energy.
Limit global warming pollution by choosing renewable energy – unplug all electronics when they’re not in use, set your thermostat in winter to 68 degrees or less during the day, and 55 degrees at night.
For summer, set the thermostats to 78 degrees or more. Also turn out the lights when you leave a room. Driving smart cars can also reduce the use of gasoline, which is a huge pollutant. Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs that lower your energy bill and reduce carbon dioxide.
Growing up, many were taught to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and those habits should continue.
The lack of water has become a threat, so next time you’re brushing your teeth, turn the water off instead of letting it run. If everyone were to do their part we can reduce the carbon footstep and gear toward a healthy world.
Global warming is not an urban myth. Join the “green” movement by participating in Earth day and practice preserving our natural resources on the daily. If everyone were to do his or her part in keeping our planet clean, the world will continue to shelter us.
Take a challenge, and go green!
Nicole Gordon
Features Correspondent
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