Have Fewer Children

Overpopulation is becoming a larger problem each and every year. The world population increased one-hundred percent in only forty years. The population grew from three billion in 1959 to six billion in 1999. Population projections have estimated a world population of nine billion by 2040. Overpopulation can lead to great demands on natural resources such as land, water, and fossil fuels. Somehow we are going to have to find a way to produce much for food without exhausting the land and find many new sources for energy.

Limit Your Water Use and Help Keep It Clean

Freshwater is such an essential necessity to life. Without it society would crumble. It is important that we manage our water usage and be responsible. We need to make sure there is enough freshwater for our homes and crops. Also, it is important that we keep our water clean. One-third of the world’s people lack access to clean drinking water. This makes it easy to believe that 80 percent of all illnesses in developing countries can be linked to unsanitary water. According to the United Nations, 95 percent of cities worldwide still dump raw sewage into their water supplies.

Pay Attention to What You Eat

You should always try to eat locally grown food because it supports your area’s economy and reduces the amount of fuel and greenhouse emissions required to transport the goods from farther areas to your area. Eating organic food reduces the amounts of pesticides you consume and the amounts that make their way into water sources through run off. Also, you can help save the environment by eating less meat and animal products. Livestock requires much more land and water than food crops. In fact, it is estimated that you could save about 280 gallons of water and 12 to 50 square feet of land from deforestation and overgrazing by eating a plant-based meal over an animal-based meal.

Limit Your Energy Use and Think of Renewable Sources

There are many other ways of transportation besides driving your car. Walking, bike riding, and public transportation are great ways to preserve energy resources as well as save money. The American Public Transportation Association estimates that families can save an average of $6,200 a year by using public transportation. Also, use alternative energy whenever possible. Many utilities offer green energy alternatives by allowing you to acquire your energy from solar, wind or other alternative energy methods.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Humans contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through many activities such as using coal-fired power plants and driving gasoline-powered vehicles. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to contribute global climate change which can have serious effects on our planet such as more severe droughts and hurricanes. Lowering our carbon footprint will allow for a more stable environment while avoiding the dangers of global climate change. Certain websites have carbon footprint calculators where you can measure and reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Sources

West, Larry. “The Five Most Important Things You Can Do for the Environment.” Web. 24 Oct. 2009.