World Environment Day – What Can You Do?
World Environment Day 2010
Scientists claim we are an estimated one in 5 – 100 million different species roaming our planet. 2 million different species of living creatures have been identified so far, with more all the time. It’s a well known fact that human activity is the cause of some destruction in our planet. Rainforest depletion, global warming issues and the extinction of animals are triggered by the choices our species has made and continues to make.
We rely upon the variety of life that exists around us to provide us with food, clothes, fuel, medicine… just about everything. World Environment Day is seeking to raise awareness for this reliance upon one another. This year, World Environment Day is on Saturday 5th June and 2010 has been deemed by the United Nations as the “International Year of Biodiversity”; a chance to celebrate the life of the variety of creatures around us and to encourage us all to preserve and protect them wherever possible.
As part of an effort to raise awareness for World Environment Day, to celebrate and protect the life around us, we have compiled a list of our 9 favourite products that we believe can make a positive impact by shopping responsibly.
So here goes…
1) Reusable Shopper Bags
As part of my recent rant in a previous post – take a shopper with you when you go out. Refuse plastic bags. They litter our seas, pollute our environment and consume far too much energy and petroleum to produce. (Take a look at the blog to find out a little more…) & Take a look at our shoppers here >>
2) Eco-Friendly Shampoo
Did you know that Faith in Nature shampoo and shower gel are made from 100% natural products? If you happen to be showering outdoors, the water can drain straight into the ground. Their products are fully biodegradable and kind to the environment, ensuring no harmful residues return to the ground.
3) Bird Feeders
Reuse leftover cooking fat and feed the birds at the same time! Brand new to Ethical Superstore is the Fat Bird Feeder, a kit to help you treat your garden birds to some homemade fat cakes. Hanging a bird feeder in our garden is a simple way of taking responsibility for the delicately balanced eco-systems surrounding us.
4) Palm Oil Free Soap
Unsustainably sourced palm oil usually means the destruction of rainforests and consequently furthering the rareity of some of our most endangered animals. Buying soap that has been sustainably sourced, or better, palm oil free like our Earth Warrior Soap is a step towards supporting our environment.
5) Good Books
If you are concerned about the environmental state of the planet and want to find out what you can contribute, then take a delve into books written by some of the experts. We recommend the Big Earth Book.
6) Hippo Water Saver
We all use water without considering the carbon emissions associated with it’s supply. The Hippo Toilet Water Saver helps save 3 litres of water every time the toilet is flushed. Simple and effective.
7) Recycled Pukka Pad
Paper production accounts for approximately 35% of felled trees and as a result is incredibly wasteful. Using recycled paper does make a difference, and with high quality 80gsm paper like Pukka Pads Recycled Pads, you hardly notice the difference.
8.) Solar Charger
Solar Energy is free! Solar energy is harmless to the environment! Solar energy is great! You can charge your phones, mp3 players, cameras and even laptops with some solar chargers, completely for free and with no risk to the environment.
9) Seeds for Butterflies
Boost your garden’s eco-system by growing butterfly-friendly flowers. Our Butterfly Garden Seed Kit makes a great little gift for adults and children alike and is all you need to start attracting varied species of butterflies to your garden, balcony or terrace.
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Survival of the Species:
Whilst mankind should not knowingly and wilfully destroy a species, we should recognise that in Earth’s history, ‘Nature’ has destroyed millions of species. There have been at least six Mass Extinctions in Earth’s history, so scientists tell us, e.g., the Permian Mass Extinction 252 million years ago, the event 65 million years ago which put paid to the dinosaurs and the eruption of Mount Toba, 75,000 years ago, which very nearly saw off the human species. Before we bewail the demise of current species, consider what ‘Nature’ has done and might still do, e.g., when the volcano under Yosemite goes up or when a wayward asteroid collides with Earth.
Recommended reading regarding the history of our violent planet: “What on Earth Happened?” by Christopher Lloyd
Survival of the Species
Reading Bill Bryson’s summaries of what might happen to Earth (A Short History of Nearly Everything)..super volcano, asteroids etc…doesn’t mean we suddenly start to trash the earth and exploit it for all it is worth just because our time on it is limited. What a hell on earth we could create for children and grandchildren if this was followed through. Much better to lead by example and try as the first step to preserve our own local environment and teach this to our grandchildren. Throwing up your hands and saying you can’t do anything won’t do. A simple example is the One Pot Pledge started by Garden Organic to show that even those with no green spaces can do a little bit to empower themselves.
Bill Bryson’s book is not depressing – it reminds me of all those fascinating and wonderful things about our Planet that I might have read and forgotteen about over the years.