World Environment Day is tomorrow, June 5.
It's a day to bring awareness to something many of us take for granted: Clean air.
It's also a reminder that we all have a responsibility to reduce air pollution. Here's what you should know about World Environment Day and how to contribute to a cleaner future.
World Environment Day is an initiative sponsored by the United Nations. Since it began in 1974, it has expanded to more than 100 countries. Each year, World Environment Day is organized around a different theme to draw attention to a particular environmental concern.
This year's focus is air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels is the main source of household air pollution. These statistics, compiled by the UN, draw attention to the severity of the problem:
Although many efforts to minimize air pollution are the result of local, state and national policies, there are plenty of ways to do your part as an individual. Here are just a few ways you can help:
Are you able to carpool with a coworker or use public transportation? Do you have the option to work from home once or twice a week? Even small changes like these can make a big impact.
If you have a habit of sitting in your parked car with the engine running while you wait to pick up your kids from school or make your grocery list, try to break that habit.
Lights are easy to remember, but don't forget about your laptop, TV and other electronics you're tempted to keep running. Every little bit helps!
In addition to breaking bad habits, World Environment Day is the perfect time to introduce some good habits.
If you don't already recycle plastic and aluminum waste, it's a good time to start. Check to see if your community offers recycling pickup. If not, make a call to your city or village administration building to find your closest recycling bin.
Want to show your commitment to World Environment Day? Take the Mask Challenge. It's easy to do:
At Green Circle Growers, the greenhouse where Just Add Ice orchids are grown, we are committed to being good stewards of the environment. As an MPS-Certified greenhouse, we adhere to strict environmental registration rules. We work hard to receive this certification and received a grade A for two consecutive years.
Here are just a few of the ways we contribute to a cleaner future:
We hope you'll join us in celebrating World Environment Day! It's a good reminder that if we all do our part today, we can breathe a little easier tomorrow.