Today, 22nd April, is officially Earth Day. You are probably asking: what is Earth Day? Earth Day is a day set aside every year when a global effort is made to raise awareness of environmental issues. Throughout the day, thousands of Earth Day events will be happening around the world tomorrow to raise environmental awareness. Are you involved in or know of any Earth Day events near you? For more news about this day, visit the official Earth Day website here.
The 1st Earth Day was on Wednesday 22nd April 1970. According to the National Geographic, the date (22nd April) was chosen as it was the birthday of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, who shared the same views and goals as many environmentalists. Additionally, Earth Day apparently started in 1970 following environmental awareness campaigns from the founder U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and the launch of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Google has even changed the Google logo on their page to help promote the day
The Energy Saving Trust has suggested 12 ways in which people can start being ‘greener’ today:
1. Let the sunshine in - cleaning windows and pulling back curtains during the day will help you take in more natural light and warmth from the sun.2. When you do need the lights on, save money by installing energy saving light bulbs.
3. Adjust your heating controls - make sure your central heating is set for warmer weather, or switch it off all together.
4. Give your loft a makeover - clear out those dusty old boxes and add loft insulation instead. It could save you around £205 per year if there is no loft insulation there already.
5. Spruce up your kitchen appliances - a little cleaning can go a long way in helping your appliances run more efficiently.
6. Defrost your fridge and freezer for greater energy efficiency.
7. De-scale your kettle so it can boil water more quickly.
8. Clean your oven door - you'll be able to check on food without opening the oven and letting heat out.
9. Improve your outdoor lighting - for quick savings, switch to energy efficient light bulbs. You can also buy solar powered garden lights that use no mains electricity and so don't generate carbon dioxide (CO2).
10. Start composting - get your plants blooming with free fertiliser by composting food scraps, paper, cardboard and even the dust and dirt from your vacuum cleaner.
11. Set up a water butt - collect rainwater to use for washing your car or watering your plants.
12. Leave the car at home - by walking and cycling more you can save energy and enjoy the warm weather.
No comments:
Post a Comment