Earth Day 2011: Reduce, reuse, recycle
Friday, April 22, marks the 41st anniversary of the first Earth Day celebrated by 20 million Americans in 1970.
A lot has happened over the years, including the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency and passage of key pieces of legislation including the Clear Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species acts.
In addition, almost three-quarters of the nation’s contaminated Superfund sites have been cleaned up, and more Americans than ever are conserving natural resources, according to the EPA.
Still, work needs to be done. Americans generate 243 million tons of waste each year and only recycle 28 percent of it. Still – in the good news category – that’s more than double the percentage of recycling a decade ago.
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BY THE NUMBERS WATER 350 gallons per day or 127,400 gallons per year ELECTRICITY 31-kilowatt hours per day or 11,300 kWh per year WASTE 4.5 pounds per day or 1,600 pounds per year PLASTIC BAGS 4 per day or 1,500 per year PAPER 2 pounds per day or 730 pounds per year |
15 Things You Can Do (and save money)
1. Use fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer.
2. Purchase Energy Star appliances and products and save about 15 percent on energy costs.
3. Get off junk mail lists. Go to greendimes.com.
4. Take your own bags to the grocery store.
5. Support local farmers markets when in season.
6. Turn off lights and other electronic appliances when not in use. Phantom power can add $10 per month to your utility bill.
7. Reduce by using products made with recyclable materials – and recycle them again.
8. Recycle everything you can. It’s estimated 60 percent to 70 percent of waste found in the average trash can be recycled or reused. Delaware has put statewide residential recycling programs in place; all trash haulers must offer recycling pick-ups.
9. Drive with properly inflated tires and save up to 11 cents per gallon of gas.
10. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth. Water runs out of a faucet at the rate of 3 gallons per minute.
11. Donate used clothing, electronics and household items to local charities (and get a tax credit).
12. Plant trees and native plants in your yard.
13. Limit shower time. Cutting down from 8 minutes to 4 minutes can save more than 10 gallons of water.
14. Plant a vegetable garden.
15. Use low-flow showerheads and faucets. Water usage can be cut in half.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
epa.gov;
greenlivingtips.com;
eia.doe.gov/tools/faqs;
dltk-kids.com/crafts/earth
