Green has become all the rage. It's everywhere you turn -- products, companies, cities, campaigns, and government programs. But because going eco is talked about so much, you may feel overwhelmed. There are a lot of topics, and many of them are confusing and scientific. So here's the scoop in simple terms about some top environmental issues that affect the planet.
Save Our Oceans
According to Seafood Watch, nearly 75 percent of the world's fisheries are either fished to capacity or are overfished. By taking so many fish out of our waters, we damage delicate ecosystems and run the risk of not having healthy fish for our own consumption. The easiest thing you can do to help protect our oceans and their related ecosystems is to buy safe and sustainable seafood. Get safe and sustainable seafood choices.
Protect Your Food Supply
Whenever possible, purchase locally grown and organic food. Food that is produced locally does not have to travel so far (which saves on gas comsumption) but it also means that your surrounding community is working to feed its own people and stimulate the local economy; this offers food and economic security. USDA Certified organic food has less water-contaminating waste, is better for the earth, and is better for you and your family. Locally-produced food from smaller farms is often found at farmer's markets, along with good prices on organics.
Reduce Toxic Exposure
Toxic chemicals and materials have found their way into our daily lives and cause known and unknown health issues and long-standing pollution. To start to combat this problem, you can help!
Clean Our Energy
So much of how we power our world creates pollution, whether it's the electricity we get from a coal plant or the emissions from our car. So, look for ways to use cleaner energy. Check with your power company to see if you can opt into renewable and cleaner energy supplies, like wind, solar, or geothermal. Drive your car less overall. And when it is time to buy a new car, look into hybrid-type cars that use less fuel and have some form of zero emissions technology.
Terra Wellington is the author of The Mom's Guide to Growing Your Family Green: Saving the Earth Begins at Home. She only buys sustainable and safe seafood at the store and restaurant, and if an eco-helpful option isn't available she passes up seafood for something else.
