There is an old saying that we only are renting the world for a little while from its true owners – our children. This can help remind us that the choices we make today about our lifestyles and our consumer habits can directly impact many future generations. We can help our children by not only bringing up topics to talk about in environmental issues, but also lead by example.
Easy Green Tips for Protecting Groundwater
Although the average human being can last up to three months without food, it can only last three days without water. Climate change and unwise uses of water supplies have lead to massive droughts in Australia, Europe and North America. For example, Spain decided to cater to the tourist industry by building many golf courses. Unfortunately, grass golf courses require lots of water in order to maintain. Spain now is in the midst of its worst drought in recorded history.
Certainly by now you know about conserving water as much as possible. But you also need to protect the water we have left. Much of the drinking water supply comes from groundwater, which (as its name implies) means that it is located just underneath the ground. Because it is just under the ground means that it is very easy to contaminate.
The best thing you can do to protect groundwater is not to dump harmful chemicals into it. But you don’t do that, you say. Oh, do you really Do you add fertilizers and insecticides to your lawn. Those wash off easily and sink into the groundwater. And what about the cleaners and washing detergents you use. Many of these harsh chemicals are destroying groundwater.
Use only a fraction of the recommended amount of laundry detergent. You will still get the clothes clean but without dumping so many chemicals in the groundwater. Better yet, use environmentally safe cleaning products made of botanical oils, bleach or vinegar. Look for a label showing the word with the words Design for the Environment U. S. EPA on it.
Instead of using chemical foam drain cleaners, use a couple of cups of baking soda and a kettle full of boiling water. It may take longer to work than a foam or liquid commercially made pipe cleaner, but it won’t harm your pipes, the groundwater or your kids.
Polluting Yourself
There is no sense talking to your kids about environmental issues if you do not treat your own body with respect. You may not think that your body has anything to do with the environment, but it does. The way you treat yourself is often subconsciously reflected in the way we treat the environment.
Kids can easily recognize hypocrites. They will nod in agreement with you only to please you but then ignore all of your advice and teachings if they think you are a hypocrite. There is no sense preaching green tips if you drink, abuse drugs or smoke. Abusing alcohol, drugs and tobacco not only harms your body but also harms the environment.
How does smoking affect the environment Guess what the most prominently kind of trash is found on beaches all over the world Lighters, cigarettes, matches and tobacco pouches. Tobacco is poisonous to many creatures such as small dogs that can die from eating a few cigarettes.