Photo Wednesday: Happy Earth Day

 

 Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.
- W. H. Auden

 

The problem with water supply is pressing. In the Philipines, the El Niño phenomenon during the summer season cannot be timely. Still, there are other people who use water with no regard to conservation. You could easily identify them by their front lawns. They would be the only house in the block with the green grass. Don't be that guy.

Our problem does not stop with water. There are news reports everyday talking about the early signs of global warming all across the globe. News of hundreds of fish turning up dead in Pasig River or a dead whale floating in Manila Bay is very alarming. 

Earth Day was created 40 years ago to create awareness about the environmental challenges facing our planet. It is sad that we had the foresite of what would happen forty years earlier yet we are only now taking aggressive and concrete steps. But then again, it is never too late.

 

Here are simple things that a city rat like you and me can do on Earth Day and all the other days:

• Close the faucet. Don't use running water when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, rinsing the dishes by hand, thawing frozen food, etc. Water collected can then be used to water houseplants.


• Save the rice wash. This can be used to water house plants.


• Turn off the lights. Unplug the appliances every after use. Whenever possible, use natural lighting.


• Take the bus. Leave the car at the garage. Walk or take the bus, jeepney, or the train instead.


• Use a reuseable tumbler/jug. This will cut down the plastic water bottles or paper coffee cups used daily.


• Skip the Plastic. Use a reuseable tote bag when you go to the supermarket.


• Give. Your waste could be someone else's treasure.


• Go outside. Just a few minutes outside in your backyard or a nearby park can give our planet some breathing room.

 

(Photo: Bamboo Faucet, Lambunao, Iloilo, 2007)