Song: Imagine Dragons - I'm On Top Of The World Today is Julia's favorite holiday, Earth Day! I interviewed her, and she says, "Earth is like, my home," which is uh...true. Jokes aside, Earth seriously is a truly valuable planet, and we need to make sure it exists all the way until the Sun's explosion. So, I asked Julia for some tips for conservation. I rejected them since one was "Follow people to make sure they don't litter," and instead went to my other conservationist friend, Sean Labolg. He's a scientist superhero who goes by "Sustainable Dude"! Don't tell him I said that though...anyway, here's his super conservation tips: 1. Save energy and electricity. Turn off electric appliances (lights, chargers, televisions, etc.) when you are not using them, especially if you plan on leaving your home. Also try losing low energy lightbulbs. Instead of turning on a heater so high, try wearing sweaters; likewise, instead of turning on air conditioner so high, open a window. It's simple things like this that can help lower the bills, and make sure we have renewable energy! 2. Similarly, there are simple things you can do to avoid wasting or contaminating water. Here's some scary statistics you might need to know: only 3% of our Earth's water is actually potable, and water pollution is slowly, maturely lowering that. Because of gyres (ocean currents), litter on the beach can end up in the middle of the Pacific ocean! You don't want ducks to eat that, do you? So, make sure to properly dispose of waste, far from water sources. As for saving water, try reusing a refillable water bottle, and take shorter shows (preferably 5 - 15 minutes). 3. Do your best to manage waste! You probably know of the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! (Or, quoting Cupcake, "Rethink" as well.) 3A. For reducing waste, try using refillable bags and boxes instead of buying new plastic and cardboard. They don't decompose naturally, and waste our natural resources. 3B. For reusing waste, instead of throwing away broken, old things, think about how you could repurpose them. Use an old tin can for a pencil holder, turn old paper into new paper, using refillable bags and boxes (as I mentioned), and much more! 3C. Of course, recycling. This is self evident; take old papers, plastics, and glasses, and put them into bins, so they can be turned into something new! Your old broken notebook could become a cardboard box, broken plastic bottles become cups, and broken bulbs become pottery! 3D. Also don't forget- composting! Natural waste, like fruits, vegetables, and old leaves, decompose naturally. This decay can give the soil useful nutrients, helping trees grow! So, next time you have an apple core or rotting banana peal, try mixing it into the soil instead of the landfill. 4. And to conclude, don't forget to try to make a change! Pick up loose litter, and if you're daring, make a letter to your mayor to help lower pollution! I know all of this sounds very big, but in reality, it's quite simple. Little things like this do affect us as a society as a whole. Climate change is unfortunately a real thing, and it's effects can be drastic. Aside from animals, it also affects us. What's going to happen in 10000 years when we run out of coal? When asthma and heart disease increases due to air pollution? When cities begin flooding more often? I know this all sounds scary, but remember- the world's not going to end. But we can help improve our behavior. In fact, one last random tip: Eat more vegetables. No, this isn't a healthy eating PSA, eating vegetables is actually good for the environment! Various junk foods often have plastic, styrofoam, non-biodegradable packaging. Eating veggies often (and planting them) promotes more plants, giving us more clean air, and more resources for food! So, not only is it healthier, it's a good move! Just a small sample of tomatoes and carrots could help. I guess at the end of the day...Earth truly is a special place. People like Julia may be crazy in their conservationist actions (don't tell her I said this), but this is why. Our planet is beautiful, and we should keep it that way for years to come. To see more spectacular sights, and for the benefit of all species, including us. So, go recycle that plastic bottle your drinking out right now. It's the least anyone can do! - 97Scratch, 2024 (P.S. I also have to mention: if you're confused why Julia's suddenly a conservationist, just wait a few weeks...)
