Going Green: A Point2 Employee's First Day on Her Journey to Living Green
It is now April, spring is in the air, and the world should be turning green. By green, I not only mean green grass, trees, and leaves, but also Green, the colour of saving the environment. Earth Day is right around the corner on April 22.
Why Go Green?
The statistics on 'Going Green' are compelling, even at a brief glance. We are slowly, and irreversibly damaging this planet we call home. Whether it is throwing garbage in the streets, contaminating water sources, or clear-cutting forests, we are not only harming the planet's natural eco-system, but also destroying our futures. For instance, a plant called the rosy periwinkle grows in the rainforests of Madagascar. It has been used to make a medication that can cure some kinds of cancer. I'm sure we all can agree that a world with a little less cancer is one worth fighting for.
The decision to Go Green was not something I had formally decided until recently, after realizing that in many aspects of life, I was already Going Green. Without consciously realizing it, you may be Going Green too:
Bathroom fixtures can be installed to create "Green Homes". Traditional toilets can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush, with newer models using approximately 1.6 gallons. Government mandates have encouraged manufacturers to find ways to use lower water volumes in their models and still get the job done (no pun intended). Green models have an even better rating, especially in the low-flow models, which can use even less water. If changing your toilet is not an option, you can also purchase Going Green additions that make the toilet 'think' that it needs to use less water.
Recycling bottles and cans has always been a practice in my family, which is another way of living green that not only protects the environment, but also provides cash back when you drop your recyclables at designated depots.
Using fabric shopping bags rather than accepting the plastic bags that are provided at the stores will drastically reduce the amount of waste you throw away. Some shops are actually in the practice of asking if you would like a bag, which is something I have come to appreciate. If they ask the question, I compliment them on their efforts in saving the environment. When someone exhibits a behaviour you want them to continue, you encourage them!
Today is formally day one of the journey, and a journey on which I am excited to be embarking. Statistics indicate that it takes the average person 21 days to form a habit (although a lot fewer if it involves chocolate!), and so while I am full of excitement today on day one, there is still work to do. Key habit that needs to be formed: remembering to put those fabric shopping bags back into my car after purchasing groceries!
Join me: let's Go Green together! What are you currently doing in Going Green that really works for you?
Tanya