It's simple...what we do (or don't do) has an impact on the world we live in.
We always think and take the attitude that we are such a small part in the grand scheme of things in this world, our country, our state, or even our Community. We have difficulty in accepting that we are here on earth for a reason and that what we do and who we encounter makes a difference.
We used to, and many still do, have the attitude that the trash we make really isn’t that much or that if we recycled it wouldn’t make a huge difference. We are wrong. Try it for one month and you will be amazed by how much post consumer product we were creating. Post consumer products such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, paper, newspapers, magazines, mailers, junk mail, cardboard materials, plastic containers, and glass. Just about everything we buy comes wrapped up or in a container.
I will guarantee you that if you were to really recycle for one month; you will come to realize that you can indeed make a difference. And when you realize this, if you haven’t done so already, you can encourage other family members, friends, and neighbors that they too can make a difference too.
When we drive, fly, heat or cool our homes, or even charge our cell phones, we emit carbon into the air. Yes, some things emit more carbon than others, but the point is we all contribute unnecessary carbon into the atmosphere every day. At our current rates, we will experience droughts, animal species becoming extinct, and possibly a rising of the oceans.
Carbon offsets are programs that either do things to offset the carbon directly, such as planting trees so that the trees will take in the carbon dioxide and provide oxygen in return, or provide funding for renewable types of energy, like solar, wind, and hydroelectric. Here in Azusa, the Tree Planting Committee has planted close to 1300 trees over the past twelve years throughout the City and our Light & Water Department has invested in several types of renewable energy to provide close to 20% of our total energy demand.
What else can I do to help? You can drive less, use less water, change your light bulbs, turn off things when not in use, recycle, and the list goes on and on. I know you may be thinking, "I've heard all this before, and I'm just one person. It won't even matter if I do any of this stuff."
My only response to you is that's the attitude that's gotten us where we are today; it has to change and it has to change sooner than later. We have to implant in our minds that it starts with me!
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