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1. Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles

As the price of gas rises along with the average temperature of the Earth, according to some scientists, all of us are becoming more and more aware of the impact our vehicles have on the environment. Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles are a big step towards reducing this impact. These cars use electricity to supplement gas-generated power, or use alternative fuels which have a hugely reduced impact on the environment.

And don’t forget… a bicycle is an alternative vehicle, too. Powered by good old human sweat with zero emissions. Not bad, eh?

2. Alternative Energy Resources

When we switch on a light bulb or plop down in front of the TV after a long day, many of us don’t give much thought to where the electricity powering them is coming from. Most of the world’s power plants use non-renewable resources that eat away at our planet. One of the most important steps being taken to protect our environment is the use of renewable or non-polluting energy sources. These include wind, water, solar, and nuclear power, among others.

3. Recycling

Well over 200 million tons of garbage is created annually in the United States. A large percentage of that 200 million tons contains totally recyclable materials. Paper, glass, plastic bottles, wood… you name it, people toss it out. Right now, there are 10 million tons of plastic bottles floating around the Pacific Ocean. That’s just plain scary.

Recycling is important for protecting the environment for more than just freeing landfill space. Creating new plastic bottles or glass jars uses up resources, and also creates pollution during production. And while recycling isn’t a 100% energy-free activity, it’s one of the best ways to help sustain our lifestyles in the long term… without damaging the planet.

4. Sustainable Consumerism

It’s been shown quite clearly that our current lifestyle is not going to be sustainable for much longer. Before long, we’ll use everything up, pollute our planet, and make the place a lot less pleasant than it is now. Much of that has to do with how much we consume… which is a lot.

Every single item you buy leaves its own carbon footprint. That shirt you just bought on sale might be the carbon equivalent of a 10 mile drive in your Ford. That plastic water bottle? A mile of emissions, all on its own. Every item you consume pollutes the Earth both in its manufacture, and in its transport to your location. One of the most important ways in which people are protecting the environment is by consuming moderately and, when possible, locally. Shop for locally grown food. Don’t buy so many things you don’t need. And drink tap water instead of buying that daily bottle from the soda machine.

5. Sustainable Design

Another thing that adds a ton of pollution to the environment; our homes. More and more care is being taken to design homes with reduced energy needs. This kind of building is called sustainable design, and takes into account things like insulation, heating and cooling, water usage, materials, etc., to build homes and support lifestyles that will be sustainable in the long term.

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