How to Make a Difference on the Earth

According to the American Lung Association, 26 American cities had the most particle pollution of any metropolitan areas in the country in 2007. The Energy Information Administration also reports that carbon dioxide emissions will reach 6 billion metric tons by 2027. It is clear there is a serious problem with pollution in the world, most of it man-made. However, you can take steps to lessen the damage you inflict on the planet and make a difference, such as going green, recycling and using public transportation more often.

Things You'll Need

• "Green" products
• Recycling bins

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Instructions

• 1

  Implement a "green" lifestyle at home. Replace your old light bulbs with cheaper, energy-efficient compact florescent light bulbs. Not only do these bulbs reduce your electric bill, but their long lifespan saves multiple trips to the store for replacements. Switch to "green" personal care products. These include natural toothpastes, such as Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil, and organic cosmetic products, such as Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel. Check for the USDA Organic Seal to ensure the product is actually organic and not just claiming to be. Going green protects the environment, is cost-effective and even can improve your health.

• 2

  Use public transportation more often. While it may not be as fast as your car, public transportation is better for the environment because it eases car congestion and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. According to the American Public Transportation Association, if one in five Americans used public transportation daily, it could eliminate up to 20 percent of our carbon monoxide emissions. People who do rely on public transport save 855 million gallons of oil per year. That is enough energy to power one-quarter of all homes in America.

• 3

  Always recycle your used items. Place any recyclable items, such as paper, milk cartons and cardboard in the properly labeled recycling bins at your place of residence. These bins will usually be marked with messages such as "Bottles and cans," to help avoid confusion. Check when your local sanitation department performs pickups, so you know when to have the items ready. Recycling programs are cheaper to run than waste collection, incineration and landfill operations. They also help create more jobs for people than waste management, including private sector jobs.