SMALL STEPS TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
by Harris Maulana
Many ways are done by people who care about the environment, both individuals and groups. And what can we do to save the environment from damage? In between our busy schedules and routines, we can take small steps that we can do everyday. A simple action, but if it is carried out every day and done by many people, it will certainly have an impact.
Almost 24 hours we do activities that without realizing it, help damage the environment. Now let's trace back what activities when we wake up until we go back to sleep that can help prevent environmental damage.
05:00 Starting from waking up, don't forget to turn off the lights, don't forget to use energy-saving lamps, don't use wasteful incandescent lamps. Nowadays, there are LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights that are energy efficient although the price is quite expensive but can last several years. Some manufacturers even warranty and replace them if they break before a few years. If you are forgetful, use a sensor that is now widely sold and insert it into the lamp holder, so that if the room is bright, the lights will turn off automatically.
06:00 When showering, use just enough water. If possible, do not use the shower because it is wasteful. But if you are used to it, turn it off first if you use soap or shampoo. Fix any broken or leaking taps immediately. Hundreds of liters of water are wasted while only 1 out of 5 earthlings have clean water. When brushing your teeth, don't forget to turn off the tap, use a glass to save water.
07.00 When going to work, college or school use public transportation. If the location is close, use a bicycle. Now bike to work and bike to campus/ school have become part of the lifestyle. Transportation accounts for 14% of greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate the condition of Global Warming. If you have a private vehicle, test the vehicle emissions regularly. If the exhaust is already emitting dense smoke, immediately take the vehicle to the nearest repair shop.
Utilize social media. Currently, there is a twitter account that invites (gives tebengan) for people who are one-way in their activities. Please follow @Nebengers. If you need a ride, tweet with the mention #CariTebengan or if you give a ride tweet #BeriTebengan. This activity has been running in several cities such as Jakarta, Bekasi, Bogor and Bandung. Don't forget to bring your own tumbler/drinking bottle to fill your drinking water, because plastic mineral water bottles will be difficult to decompose.
08.00 -11.59 When doing activities in the office, campus or school, use the stairs if you only go up or down 1 or 2 floors. In addition to making the body healthy, it will also greatly save electricity usage. Avoid printing paper for things that are not important, just use email. If forced to use paper use two sides of the paper face (back and forth). Pay all bills online. In addition to saving paper, it also saves energy for driving. Turn off the computer monitor when not in use.
12.00 Don't use styrofoam for lunch, as it doesn't decompose for thousands of years. We can see that the garbage in the river is dominated by floating styrofoam.
13.00 When shopping, refuse plastic bags, except for those made from environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. Better to bring your own bags when shopping. Choose products with minimal packaging, excessive packaging will only increase the price of the product and waste. Choose refillable products and use recyclable materials.
14.00-18.59 Try to segregate waste, provide a place for paper waste to be recycled. Recycling 1 ton of paper can save 17 trees. Utilize waste by providing compost in residential areas. Waste can be sorted into organic and inorganic waste. Organic waste can be composted, while inorganic waste can be sorted into recycled products. Plant as many trees as possible to reduce air pollution and water absorption and support forest conservation. Collect rainwater for watering plants and washing cars, motorcycles or bicycles.
19.00-21.59 Try to turn off the air conditioner and open the windows wide so that we can feel the refreshing breeze.
22.00-04.59 Turn off the lights when going to bed. If you are using an air conditioner, set a timer until you are about to fall asleep.
That's how it goes. We repeat it again for the following days. If we do it continuously and together there must be an impact and will reduce the impact of environmental damage.
See you later :)