Today, Wednesday, April 22, is national Earth Day. This is what The Nearby Future is all about, saving the planet! We are all about protecting the future, the years to come, whether we are alive or dead. Our kids and generations to come are all affected by our every action and move. This day is very important to the world, and yet, tons of garbage is thrown away. I watched Oprah Winfrey today, and it truly changed my perspective on keeping our planet clean. It made me change the way I thought of every piece of trash that I throw away.

Trash and the ocean:

A lot of us know that over 70% of our world is of water. It may be shocking, but most of our garbage is not on land, it is in the Pacific Ocean. This Pacific Garbage Path stretches all the way from the coast of California all the way to Japan! And even more shocking, it is known to be twice the size of Texas. Debris can be as deep as 90 feet deep full of garbage. About 80% comes from litter on land either from it being actually littered, or being blown by the wind.

This Pacific Garbage Path and the effects on sea birds, mammals, and fish:

Garbage in the ocean is causing much harm to sea animals including sea birds, turtles, and beluga whales. We have to remember that they can’t think as clearly as us, and know what food is right for them to eat, and what is harmful. Animals get caught in nets (such as plastic soda holders), or swallow pieces of water bottle caps. Of course, this is only 2 of many ways these animals are harmed or even killed. Experts say we have already killed millions of sea birds and mammals. An example is when a dead fish was cut open. There was pieces of plastic as well as a cigarette lighter found in the fish’s stomach. Beluga whales are also suffering. Some have been diagnosed with breast cancer that may be caused by certain chemicals.

Harmful to humans too?

Yes, indeed. Everything is connected to each other. If you think about it, the chemicals that you use such as in flowers goes into the ocean, and back into the food chain, which ultimately gets back to us. So you really aren’t helping yourself in any way whatsoever.

How to save our planet:

We have been saying this forever, on how to be “green” and “evironmentally friendly” to our planet that is so good to us. Here may be a few new things, though:

• Use LED lights: It can lower your energy bill by 11%. Though at $40 per bulb, they can last you up to 10 years and save you up to $740 in that time period!
• Use LCD televisions: Don’t look at the purchase price when buying a new TV, look at what will end up saving you money in the long-run. Always remember that a smaller TV will save energy. If you can’t decide whether to buy a LCD or plasma, get the LCD. It will cost you $34 a year, rather than $70 a year for a plasma. An Energy Star TV will also save 30% more energy.
• Use Smart Power Strips: With that new TV, get a power strip! At most they are $10 a piece. Some also come with romote controls in which turns on and shuts off appliances without you even moving!
• Get a water filtration pitcher: It is about $30, and you will save about $300 a year from not buying bottled water. Plus, it helps keep our planet cleaner!
• Make your own cleaning products: It is best to use all-natural products in your house. Things such as vinegar and baking soda can be make right in the comfort of your own kitchen! Recipes are on Oprah.com. It can save you about $600 per year!

Take the Lunch Challenge!

If you switch disposable items to reusable items, you can save over $320 a year! Currently, we use over 300 billion plastic bags per year, which is harming our environment.

Why go to Oprah.com?

• You can find a lot more information and details that I just talked about in this article.
• You can find coupons and discounts for things such as a free lunch bag, and a 20% discount!
• You can figure out how to help the environment with food.
• Find out where to buy eco-friendly rescources
• How to perhaps get over $1000 back in taxes!

I think the main point is, by saving the environment, we can also save money! I am not going to do the math, but by changing our way of life, we can absolutely save money! The future is our tomorrow, and it is our decision to make the best…or worst of it. Happy Earth Day!

~Hope