Do your part to save the planet

Opinion

Discussion

April 21, 2009

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Tue Apr 21, 2009, 10:21 PM EDT

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

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Opinion

Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.

Memorial Day officially

May 26, 2012
Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness

Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:

“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.

May 25, 2012
USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.

Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.

May 25, 2012
Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.

May 23, 2012 1 Story
Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.

May 21, 2012
Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food

Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:

May 19, 2012
Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.

May 18, 2012
Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.

May 16, 2012
Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.

Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.

May 15, 2012
de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.

May 15, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Do your part to save the planet

Site Map

Contact Us