Thirty-nine years ago, 20 million people across America gathered to celebrate the first Earth Day. The environment was in a state of crisis. Cities were buried in smog, and polluted rivers were catching fire.
We’ve come a long way since then.
More and more of us are turning down the thermostat in the winter and turning it up in the summer. We turn off lights when we leave a room, and we make a habit of recycling, reducing the amount of trash our communities send to landfills.
More and more, people are taking notice of the need to protect our planet for future generations, and they’re rolling up their sleeves to take action.
We can, of course, do more.
One of the best things we can do is plant a tree.
The National Arbor Day Foundation notes that trees are like the lungs of the planet. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen.
Additionally, they provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, and they reduce erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. Trees also absorb sound and reduce noise pollution, and they can keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
We can turn down our thermostats in the winter and turn them up in the summer. Experts say a difference of just one degree can reduce energy costs by about four percent.
We can use ceiling fans throughout the year. By reversing their direction in the winter, the blades push air down, helping to keep rooms warmer.
We can repair leaky faucets. One drip per second can waste as much as 10 gallons of water in a week.
We can cut water use at least in half by installing low-flow faucets and low-flow toilets.
Let’s all rededicate ourselves to the welfare of the planet.
When you see that piece of trash on the sidewalk, pick it up. And when you drink that soft drink, make the extra effort to recycle the can.
We’ve come a long way in 39 years, but we still have a long way to go.
— Logansport Pharos-Tribune
Opinion
Do your part to save the planet
- Opinion
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White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
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Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
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If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
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Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
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Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
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Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
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Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
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Heinig: ‘Right-to-work’ law to arouse continued resistance
I wouldn’t call Gov. Mitch Daniels a charismatic leader, but he does possess some leadership skills. If he didn’t, he couldn’t have brought us this far along the happy trail to his economic Valhalla.
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White shouldn’t return to office
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