All Things Are Connected, Even Those things You Can Not See, Hear, Taste, or Feel: 50 Things You Can Do to Help. April 2020

All Things Are Connected, Even Those things You Can Not See, Hear, Taste, or Feel: 50 Things You Can Do to Help. April  2020

Sharing some Texas Nature with the GrandKids

Yes, we are all connected but it goes far beyond just the human kind. Every single thing that you can see, hear, taste or feel, even those things that you can’t, even those that you can imagine, are connected.

I remember a 9^th grade science teacher giving the class a lesson that I have never forgotten. He gave the example of a fish that lived in Alaskan waters that ranged in 31 -57 degrees F. from winter to

summer. And another fish that lived in tropical waters with temperatures ranging from 70-98F from winter to summer. The two fish were put into the same bucket that had 65 degree water. One fish thought the water was way to hot; the other thought the water was very cold.

One single person far away was having, I am sure, just a normal day. He/She left their home on an errand to the market, perhaps, to buy a pangolin for dinner (remember the bucket). Just as they were putting their fortunate find into a sack for the short walk home, a gnat landed on their nose. The person touched their face to shoo away the pesky fly. For the next week this person lived their normal busy life in a very crowded apartment building and densely populated city.

Remember how everything is connected? A far away single tiny microscopic particle that cannot be seen, heard, tasted, or felt is now part of every person’s life on planet earth. Finally a perfect example of how we are so interconnected! Parents have the perfect tool to teach their children and their communities that everything we do impacts everybody and everything. A sneeze on the other side of the planet matters.

The most recent pandemic is providing an incredible range of opportunities for human kind to change our lives, lets hope that those changes promote the health of not only the Human kind but for all kind, Mother Nature is patiently watching. She has already provided us so many ways to learn but we as a whole, we just have not met her expectations. Storms, Fire, draught, and floods were mot impressive enough so she put us in time out with a pandemic. Already in just four months the air and water is cleaner than anyone in the two youngest generations have ever seen. Nature has its on way to purify air water and the entire environment. Humans have overwhelmed the natural process and any attempts by mankind to rectify the damage has been to little to late.

The solutions to Climate Change seem way beyond the ability of any one person to control or to have any real effect on. Even recycling seems almost impossible since so much of the stuff we put in our recycle bins are never actually recycled and end up in the garbage dumps anyway. The recent pandemic has revealed the possibilities of world change as we can clearly see the reduced air pollution from so many sources and cleaner water as well. Conserve, reuse, recycle, living small, and buying smartly where it clearly encourages corporate responsibility (Money Talks!) are things all of us can do to affect change and a healthy planet.

To Celebrate the opportunity that Mother Nature has so graciously given us to recreate our daily lives I am sharing 50 ways you can help to restore Mother Natures faith in the human race. (I’m pretty sure that not one of us wants to see what’s next if we ignore this very gracious opportunity.)

50 Ways You Can Help:

For some reason humans like to categorize their lives. Perhaps it provides some sort of order to their world.  But just like the fish in the bucket we all come from somewhere different and have different ways of organizing or living our everyday existence. So I'm going to throw out, organized my way some general ideas and surely you can take them back to your community and use the ideas to create.

Five broad concerns: Air, Water, Energy, Personal Responsibility, & Corporate Responsibility. Everyone can make a small difference in each of these areas and even if just a minor percentage of people make not so inconvenient changes, the impact can be huge. Going beyond there is also political action you can take to encourage a healthy planet. Some simple research on the internet will lead you to nonprofit organizations that are highly organized and are fighting hard to fight climate change. You can join their efforts and they will send you updates. They will also notify you when important bills or other issues are being debated often giving you a personal voice by signing their petitions or easily sending letters to your congress persons. They do all the work, they write the letter and based on your zip code your letter will be sent to your representative. Joining these efforts make a huge difference as your voice also indicates who you may vote for in upcoming elections. Politicians like to win and they will change to get your vote…. numbers count like money!

Air:

There are four main types of air pollution sources:

mobile sources – such as cars, buses, planes, trucks, and trains

stationary sources – such as power plants, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories

area sources – such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning fireplaces

natural sources – such as wind-blown dust, wildfires, and volcanoes

What Can I Do to Help Reduce Air Pollution?

Every time we drive to school, use our heater or air conditioner, clean our windows, or even style our hair, we make choices that affect air pollution. These steps, as well as many others, are things we all can do to help reduce air pollution.

1. Conserve energy – remember to turn off lights, computers, and electric appliances when not in use Use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances. Participate in your local utility’s energy conservation programs
2. Limit driving by carpooling, using public transportation, biking and walking Combine errands for fewer trips
3. Keep your automobile well tuned and maintained. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on routine maintenance, such as changing the oil and filters, and checking tire pressure and wheel alignment.
4. Avoid excessive idling of your automobile
5. Drive electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
6. Use electric or hand-powered lawn care equipment
7. Be careful not to spill gasoline when filling up your car or gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment
8. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full
9. Choose environmentally friendly cleaners
10. Use water-based or solvent free paints whenever possible and buy products that say "low VOC"
11. Seal containers of household cleaners, workshop chemicals and solvents, and garden chemicals to prevent volatile organic compounds from evaporating into the air
12. Purchase and use low-polluting outboard marine engines and personal watercraft (4-stroke and direct fuel injection 2-stroke outboard marine engines).

13. Political Action to help reduce Air Pollution:  Most air pollution is produced by the burning of fossil fuels and waste, and this is the focus of the World Health Organization’s global recommendations:

1. Moving from coal and gas power stations and diesel generators to solar, wind and hydropower
2. Prioritise walking, cycling and public transport over cars in urban areas and shift to electric cars
3. Improve the energy efficiency of homes to reduce heating needs and avoid coal and wood burning inside
4. Promoting waste reduction and use incineration only when unavoidable and when emissions controls are in place
5. Create green spaces in cities to help remove some pollutants
6. Advocate for emission reductions from power plants and more stringent national vehicle emission standards

Water:

Water pollution is defined as contamination of water bodies which includes lakes, rivers, oceans and groundwater. We all know how the pollution of our water is a major issue, especially as we ramp up our production of potentially harmful substances. Not only does water pollution result in contaminated water, but it also hurts the wildlife that depends on safe water for survival. With increased global warming and climate change, our planet is already reeling under acute water crisis. Moreover, with population of this world growing an explosive rate, the water resources are also getting polluted at a higher rate.

While there is no single short step to stop water pollution, there are number of things that we can do in our daily lifestyle to reduce water pollution. The best way to clean the polluted water is not to clean the polluted water but to stop polluting. Here we have compiled a list of 25 such ways that can help you to reduce water pollution and make it safe for animals, unique. organisms and ecosystems that are being harmed and going extinct at an alarming rate.

14. Use Less Plastic It is very difficult to break down plastic after it is produced. Much of the plastic we consume ends up in the world’s water supply, where it is even harder to fish out and safely throw away. If you can use as few plastic items as possible, you are helping the environment. Plastic waste also spreads decay in the water supply.
15. Reuse Items Whenever you buy something that is not recyclable, such as plastic, it is better to reuse this item as many times as possible. This limits your consumption and means less of those products will end up in the world’s rivers, lakes and oceans.
16. Recyclable Options If there are two options for a particular item, pick the one that is easily recyclable. Glass bottles are much better for the environment than plastic, for example.
17. Do Not Dispose Oils in the Sink While there is nothing wrong with consuming oils in your food, or applying them on your body, it is a bad idea to dispose of oils in the sink. It is better to dispose of oils in the garbage, or collect all your excess oil in one bottle and then throw that away.
18. Cleaning Chemicals Similar to oils, cleaning chemicals are hazardous when they enter the water supply. If you are emptying out containers of household cleaning supplies, do it in the trash can not the sink.
19. Do not Throw Away Medicines Never throw away medicines in the water supply either. Even if you have whole pills that you do not need, it is a bad idea to flush them down the toilet or crush them in your kitchen sink disposal.
20. Household Items Do not throw household items, such as cloths, dental floss or wrappers, into the toilet when you are done with them. Toilet paper is specifically made in a way that breaks down easily in water pipes, but these other items pollute the system.
21. Garbage Disposal Even though most homes have a garbage disposal system in the sink, it is better to use it as rarely as possible. This system can break down solid objects, but those items are harmful to the water supply. It is better to throw them in the trash can when possible.
22. Dishwashing or Laundry Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when it is close to being full. Using these machines to clean one or two dishes, or a few pairs of clothes, is an incredible waste of water. The less amount of water you use during washing, the less
23. Limit the Use of Detergents and Bleaches While it is okay to use detergents and bleaches in dishwashers and washing machines, it is better to limit your use as much as possible. Do not put two cups of bleach in your washing machine when the instructions only call for half a cup.
24. Use Environmentally Friendly Detergents Whenever possible, get environmentally friendly detergents, soaps and dishwashing liquids. While these are sometimes more expensive, you are doing the environment a great service by using less harmful substances.
25. Gardening While everyone wants a nice garden in their home, it is incredible how much water we waste during that process. Install a waterbutt in your home, because it can catch rainfall throughout the year and allow you to use that to water your grass and plants.
26. Avoid Pesticides If you need to overhaul your garden, attempt to do so without using any herbicides or pesticides. These are very harmful to the environment. Talk to landscaping companies in your area about environmentally friendly replacements for these products.
27. Conserve Soil When chemicals get into the soil, they spread through the water because of the topsoil getting carried by the falling rain. This is normal, but if the soil is exposed to excess phosphates or harmful substances, it can cause serious damage to the ground. Contrast banks right in front of waterways so that you can stop the soil’s movement.
28. Do Regular Car Maintenance If you have a car, truck or other mechanical device, it is best to maintain it after regular intervals. This ensures the item is running efficiently and not polluting the environment that much. Remember, pollution in the air does have an eventual impact on our water supply.
29. Oil Spill The waste that gathers up when you are working on your car or other mechanical devices is harmful to the environment. Oil and transmission fluid are two examples of substances you do not want in your drains or sewers.
30. Cellar Drains or Septic Tanks If you have a cellar drain or septic tank, be sure that it is not draining directly into your sewerage system. This can cause serious issues and pollution in the system. Talk to your local water authority about proper ways to manage a cellar drain or septic tank.
31. Do Not Litter! If you are visiting an area where there is a nearby lake, river or ocean, do not throw any type of litter or trash into or near the water. Even if you throw away a wrapper on the beach, the tide will eventually pick it up and take it into the water supply.
32. Use Water Sparingly Turn off the tap while you are brushing your teeth. Bathing actually uses a lot more water than showering. But do not take 20 minute showers when 10 minutes is all you need. Every bit of water you conserve is a way to help the environment.
33. Plant Fauna at Lakes or Rivers If you live in an area where a lake or river is present, you might want to think about planting some local fauna near the water. Trees are also helpful. Not only do they look beautiful when they grow, but these natural items help protect the nearby water supply from pollutants. Fauna also limits the Carbon Dioxide in the water, which balances out its pH level.
34. Clean Up Litter If you see someone littering near water, ask them to keep their items and throw them somewhere else. If you see litter on the floor, pick it up and put it in a bag and throw it away when you get home. It is easy to think that someone else will do the job, but we can all help each other and our environment by being proactive.
35. Stop Chemical Pollution If you notice someone throwing chemicals into the water, or hear about such an incident, talk to your local water authorities about the matter. Tell them what you saw or know and implore them to take action. If you stay quiet, you are letting the problem get worse.
36. Buy Sustainable Meats While we all enjoy a hamburger from time to time, it is important to think about the impact of factory farms on our water supply. These farms produce huge amounts of waste, which ends up harming the nearby water supplies. Whenever possible, buy sustainable meats instead of those produced at factory farms.
37. Stop Immersion of Ashes in the bodies of water While it is a common practice, especially in Hindu religion, to immerse the ashes of deceased person into the holy water of sacred river Ganga, it pollutes the river water and adversely affects the water quality. Dead bodies are cremated on the river banks. Partially burnt bodies are also flung into the river to keep up with religious faiths.
38. Political Action: Join Water Conservation Organizations If you have time, you can join a water conservation organization. If you have a busy schedule, consider donating to a nearby organization a few times a year. Even small donations can have a positive impact on those who are fighting to keep our water supply safe and healthy. Also join their website and sign their petitions and letters to legislative representatives.

Energy:

Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Energy Use: 11 ways to cut big waste in our energy system Americans spend $350 billion a year on electricity – with three-quarters of the energy going to waste. Apart from the financial burden, such excess contributes to pollution and global warming. Fortunately, there are clear solutions toward a more efficient system – from power plant to plug.

39. Adjust your day-to-day behaviors To reduce energy consumption in your home, you do not necessarily need to go out and purchase energy efficient products. Energy conservation can be as simple as turning off lights or appliances when you do not need them. You can also use energy-intensive appliances less by performing household tasks manually, such as hang-drying your clothes instead of putting them in the dryer, or washing dishes by hand. The behavior adjustments that have the highest potential for utility savings are turning down the heat on your thermostat in the winter and using your air conditioner less in the summer. Heating and cooling costs constitute nearly half of an average home’s utility bills, so these reductions in the intensity and frequency of heating and cooling offer the greatest savings. Close your drapes or drop your window shades during the day.
40. Replace your light bulbs Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume an excessive amount of electricity and must be replaced more often than their energy efficient alternatives. Halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), and light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use anywhere from 25-80% less electricity and last three to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Although energy efficient bulbs are more expensive off the shelf, their efficient energy use and longer service lives mean that they cost less in the long run. are the clear winners in terms of their environmental and financial benefits.
41. Use smart power strips “Phantom loads,” or the electricity used by electronics when they are turned off or in standby mode, are a major source of energy waste. In fact, it is estimated that 75% of the energy used to power household electronics is consumed when they are switched off, which can cost you up to $200 per year. , also known as advanced power strips, eliminate the problem of phantom loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they are not in use. Smart power strips can be set to turn off at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches, or based on the status of a “master” device.
42. Install a programmable or smart thermostat A programmable or can be set to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during the times when you are asleep or away. When you install a programmable thermostat, you eliminate wasteful energy use from heating and cooling without upgrading your HVAC system. On average, a programmable thermostat can save you $180 per year. Programmable thermostats come in different models that can be set to fit your weekly schedule. Additional features of programmable thermostats can include indicators for when to replace air filters or HVAC system problems, which also improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
43. Purchase energy efficient appliances On average, appliances are responsible for roughly 13% of your total household energy use. When purchasing an appliance, you should pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. Although usually have higher purchase prices, their operating costs are 9-25% lower than conventional models. Wrap or cover foods and drinks in the refrigerator.
44. Reduce your water heating expenses Water heating is a major contributor to your total energy consumption. Other than purchasing an energy efficient water heater, there are three methods of reducing your water heating expenses: you can simply use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, or insulate your water heater and the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes. If you are considering replacing your water heater with an efficient model, you should keep in mind two factors: the type of water heater that meets your needs and the type of fuel it will use. For example, tankless water heaters are energy efficient, but they are also a poor choice for large families as they cannot handle multiple and simultaneous uses of hot water. Efficient water heaters can be anywhere between 8% and 300% more energy efficient than a conventional storage water heater. Also, be sure to account for its lengthy service life of 10 to 15 years in which water-heating savings can accumulate. Wash your clothes in cold water. Always use the cold water faucet, unless you really want hot water.
45. Install energy efficient windows Windows are significant source of energy waste, which can amount to 10-25% of your total heating bill. To prevent heat loss through your windows, you can replace single-pane windows with double-pane ones. For homes in cold regions, gas-filled windows with “low-e” coatings can significantly reduce your heating expenses. In addition, interior or exterior storm windows can reduce unnecessary heat loss by ten to 20 percent. You should especially consider storm windows if your region experiences frequent extreme weather events. In warmer climates, heat gain through windows may be a problem. In addition to minimizing heat loss, low-e coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the amount of thermal energy diffused into your home. Depending on the climate where you live, ENERGY STAR windows can save you $20-$95 each year on your utility bills. Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can also provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and external temperatures.
46. Upgrade your HVAC system An HVAC system is composed of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Heating alone is responsible for more than 40% of home energy use. Because homes in Northern regions are exposed to much colder temperatures during the year, ENERGY STAR gas furnaces have different specifications in the northern and southern halves of the United States. Upgrading to a “U.S. South” ENERGY STAR certification can save you up to 12% on your heating bill, or an average of $36 per year. ENERGY STAR furnaces in the northern half of the U.S. are labeled with the standard ENERGY STAR logo and are up to 16% more energy efficient than baseline models. This translates to average savings of $94 per year on your heating bill in the Northern U.S.
47. Weatherize your home Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is a great way to reduce your heating and cooling expenses. The most common sources of air leaks into your home are vents, windows, and doors. To prevent these leaks, you should ensure that there are no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or doorframe. To seal air leaks between stationary objects, such as the wall and window frame, you can apply caulk. For cracks between moving objects, such as operable windows and doors, you can apply weather stripping. Weather stripping and caulking are simple air

48. Insulate your home Insulation plays a key role in lowering your utility bills through retaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out of your home during the summer. The recommended level of heat resistance, or “R-value,” for your insulation depends on where you live. In warmer climates, the recommended R-value is much lower than for buildings located in colder regions like the Northeast.

49. Political action to move away from fossil fuels to sustainable solar and wind power and other sources like geothermal.

And Finally 50: Money Talks, Money Walks. All the above is about Personal Responsibility. Taking care of Corporate Responsibility is all about how we chose to spend our money. Not everyone has the time to research all the corporations that we purchase our goods and services from but there are some organizations that do and you can join their email list. Spending your money with those business that are practicing environmental friendly policy and avoid spending those who continue to pollute will alter the Capitalist landscape. Political action to regulate is helpful as well but in today’s political world Money is the most powerful tool, spend it wisely!

It is obvious that many of the same daily practices can help reduce air/water pollution and reduce energy consumption. You can’t do all the above but you can do some, that helps a LOT.  I avoided suggesting any certain political action groups since that is a personal thing. I belong to the Puget Sound Keepers and they are very active on all three fronts of air, water, and energy. I trust them and they make it easy for me to participate by sending me updates, petitions to sign and letters to send to my representatives. I believe it best to use a local political action group where you can volunteer to make sure they are the ones you want to be associated with. They are all connected to National organizations anyway. Thank you for helping to save our planet and our grandchildren!