What can we do to help our planet? On Earth Day and ahead

The world celebrates the “largest environmental movement” known as Earth Day every April 22. Under the theme “Planet vs Plastics,” this year’s event calls for widespread awareness on the health risks of plastics.

Organizer Earthday.org strives for a 60 percent cut in plastic production by 2040, which would require each of us — whether the average citizen or big businesses — to make a conscious effort to preserve our planet.

“Now, this once-thought amazing and useful product has become something else, and our health and that of all other living creatures hangs in the balance," said Earthday.org President Kathleen Rogers. “The ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we act now to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being upon our planet.”

Helping the environment doesn’t require monumental actions lest we overwhelm ourselves; rather, it can start small, but discipline is crucial. When shopping, make it a habit to bring reusable bags to reduce the unnecessary use of plastics.

Bringing a reusable water bottle outdoors, especially when done collectively, also helps prevent the purchase of disposables. If you have containers at home, feel free to visit community-based refill hubs, where you can replenish affordable athome cleaning essentials and help eliminate plastic waste.

If you have extra cash, consider switching your home’s lighting to energy-efficient LED lights, which emit 80 percent less greenhouse gases than traditional incandescent or fluorescent ones.

We must take part in helping the planet recover from the glaring horrors of climate change, especially today when plastics present both an environmental and health issue. On Earth Day and forward, let’s make more mindful choices and heed the calls of environmentalists. We only have one shelter to take care of; now more than ever, it’s time to be part of the green movement. (MTR)