'Connecting People to Nature’, the theme for World Environment Day 2017, implores us to get outdoors and into nature, to appreciate its beauty and its importance, and to take forward the call to protect the Earth that we share.
World Environment Day is the biggest annual event for positive environmental action and takes place every 5 June.
This year’s theme invites you to think about how we are part of nature and how intimately we depend on it. It challenges us to find fun and exciting ways to experience and cherish this vital relationship.
The theme demands from us stepping out and interacting with the open environment around us. It is to cherish the relationship between man and environment.
Let us look at 10 of the SIMPLEST ways you can contribute to this global effort:
1. We consume over 80 trillion aluminum cans every year. Recycling just one can save you enough energy to run the television for three hours. Next time you’re drinking a can of coke, make sure you put in the recycle bin.
2. Save Water! Out of the world’s total water supply, just 1% is usable. Rest 97% are oceans and frozen water.
3. Plastic bags and other plastic garbage are thrown into the ocean, which kills more than 1,000,000 sea creatures every year. Ban plastic bags completely.
4. Drop the idea of using your car and cycle the short distances. It makes more difference than you think.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint. Turn off unnecessary lights and switches.
6. The famous old suggestion – ‘Plant a Tree’. If that is too much, just water some plants in the park near you. Add to the growth of life.
7. Promote renewable sources of energy.
8. Do not waste food. World Environment Day is closely associated with Sustainable Development. Resources must be optimally used.
9. Make sure that you voice your interest publicly in protecting the environment. It could influence others including the local politicians to act.
10. Wear Green and go for a walk outside.