The Earth Day is coming (April 22). What are you doing this year, my global citizen friends, to heal our dearly beloved planet?

It is befitting as well as ironical that this most high-profile annual green celebration should be promoted by the United States, the number-one polluter.

Earth Day was the brainchild of American Senator Gaylord Nelson, who, back in the 1960s, felt that "The people were concerned (about the ecological plague), but the politicians were not".

He decided to organize a huge grassroots protest over what was happening to our environment.

The first Earth Day emerged with a bang in April, 1970.

Earth Day 2008 is expected to be the biggest ever! Millions of people around the world will be galvanizing behind a "Call for Climate", this year's global warming action theme.

People everywhere are calling their governments to urge significant and equitable actions on climate change. Green groups in Hong Kong are staging various events these few days.

Action speaks louder than words.

To save the planet, everyone has to become part of the solution. At this point, it would be a good exercise to take a look at the "environmental tips" offered to fellow Americans by the US government's Environmental Protection Agency (a full list can be found in http://www.epa.gov/earthday/tips.htm).

Tips to save energy

Change light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs to reduce energy bills and emissions from power plants.

Reduce your carbon footprint. Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions over 1,500 pounds per year.

Don't idle! Remind your school system to turn off bus engines when buses are parked to eliminate harmful exhaust pollution.

It's electric. Check how much of your electricity comes from renewable sources, like wind, solar. Then find green power options available to you.

Tread lightly. Commuting without polluting! Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs.

Make the switch. Buy or switch to energy efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs.

eCycle it. eCycle - take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to a recycling center. This helps keep hazardous substances out of the landfill.

Everyone can make a difference. High school students can study links between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change.

Tips to use water efficiently

Be sensible. Buy water-efficient fixtures and products.

Shower power! A full bath tub requires about 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons.

Don't be a drip - fix that leak! Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures.

Fill 'er up! Make it a full load. The average washing machine uses 40. Nine gallons of water per load. Buy a high-efficiency washer or save up for full loads.

Tips to reduce / reuse / recycle

Composting turns food scraps and yard trimmings into natural soil additives for lawns and gardens.

Proper maintenance reduces waste. Maintain and repair products. Keep appliances in good working order.

Don't trash it - reuse it! Be creative about reducing waste. Give pet hamsters or gerbils cardboard tubes to play with. Use an egg carton to plant seedlings.

Just bag it. Take reusable bags on shopping trips. Keep them in your car or near your door to remember. You can also reuse paper or plastic shopping bags.

Travel green. When you travel, stay at hotels that use less water or energy. Before you go, unplug your VCR or other electronics that use electricity even when "off."

Tips to make environmentally protective choices

Read the label. Use pesticides safely, whether at home or in the field.

Don't top off! During hot weather, don't top off your gas tank. Even a small gas spill adds to air pollution and wastes fuel.

Use clean diesel.

Compliance made easy. Farmers, mechanics, and other businesses can help protect the environment by better understanding environmental requirements.

Simon Chau can be contacted at simon@simonchau.hk

The author is the chair of Green Living Education Foundation.

(HK Edition 04/21/2008 page1)