What can you do on Zero Emissions Day?

Did you know that September 21^st is Zero Emissions Day?  The purpose of Zero Emissions Day is to give the planet a break. From the fossil fuels released in the air to the pollution caused by vehicles on the road. The consumption of electricity by household appliances and more. We are constantly exposed to incessant toxins and pollutions in day to day life. It’s time to take a break from all this and connect to our roots. When I first read about Zero Emissions Day, the first thought that crossed my mind was. “What can you do on Zero Emissions Day?”. If you have been wondering what the day is about. Or have zero idea that a day like this exists, it’s time to bookmark this post. It can help you practice this not just today, but as often as you like it.

Zero Emissions Day has been designed to give the world a break from fossil fuels. And to raise awareness about the harm caused by carbon emissions. The goal is to engage people towards more climate-friendly choices in their personal life. Zero Emissions Day was launched in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2008. (Source).

What can you do on Zero Emissions Day?

The premise is simple. The task is to ensure there are zero emissions. And that you lessen your carbon footprint on the planet as much as you can. Zero Emissions Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the amounts of fossil fuels that are used worldwide every single day and share info about how each and every one of us could minimize our carbon footprint on this day and in the long run. We can all start by minimizing or eliminating the use of electricity generated by fossil fuels and learn the 5 R’s: refuse, reduce, reuse, rot, recycle. 

Here’s how you could participate in Zero Emissions Day this September 21:

• Choose to take your bike. Walk or be a part of a car pool. Alternatively, opt for public transportation.
• Ensure you plan a ‘no-cook’ meal to eat.
• Switch off or power down by avoiding the use of electricity for some time on the day. Or you could consider using a candle during the night on September 21.
• Go for a digital detox. Stay away from all electronics – completely. Unplug everything that is not essential. Plan a get together with family or friends, get into nature or play a sport. Source

Here are some more ways that can help you to reduce your carbon footprint on the planet. These can practiced in your everyday life. Once you make these changes a habit, they’ll quickly become a part of your lifestyle. And in the long run, you’ll be living an eco-friendly and sustainable life.

Learn about Recycling

A lot of things we throw can actually be recycled; we just need to know what they are and what to do with them. Here are some tips to help you get started on your recycling journey that’ll eventually help in ecosystem restoration:

• Always dispose of waste in the right bins. Most of them have markings on them, so follow them accordingly
• Read the manual or label of the item – many also mention recycling guidelines
• Don’t put the item to be recycled in a plastic bag – plastic needs to be disposed of separately
• Most common household items you can recycle are: cardboard, newspaper, cans, aluminum foil and glass items
• To dispose electronics, contact the store you bought it from – most of them take back old products
• In case you use poisonous materials like motor oil or pesticides, contact your local authority and follow their instructions
• Besides recycling things from your home, you can also buy items made from recycled materials, like paper and plastics

Use appliances smartly

We can’t do away with appliances altogether, but we can use them smartly to reduce the power consumption. You can choose to opt for energy efficient appliances when buying. Ensure a timely maintenance on these gadgets so that they continue to work optimally. Switch off appliances and pull out the plug to prevent power wastage and when not in use. Turn off the switches if your chargers are connected to sockets. Implement smart practices like loading the washing machine only when full. Try not over stuffing the fridge or freezer and finishing your ironing in one go. These small steps work towards easy ways to protect the environment and reduce the emissions. On Zero Emissions Day, choose not to use the electrical appliances if you can or use them sparingly. We know how difficult it is to live without certain things in life. But with practice, you’ll survive.

Spread Awareness about the Ecosystem

Ecosystem restoration is only possible if all of us unite and work for this common cause. Along with following tips to reduce, reuse and recycle, encourage others to do the same. Here are some easy ways to go about it:

• Set up a common compost and kitchen garden in your housing colony or apartment complex
• Talk to local authorities and set up points to deposit and pick up items for recycling
• At the next PTA meeting, talk to your child’s teachers about setting up similar drives at school
• Organize garage sales in your housing area with other families so you can swap items
• Encourage your friends and family to donate computers they no longer use to your child’s school
• When gifting, choose gifts made from recycled materials or go with potted plants – avoid anything with batteries

Do a digital detox

We live in a time where being digitally connected is a norm; rather like the essentials in our life, just like food and shelter. At the tap of a button, we’re connected to our friends thousands of miles away. Or can read more about the breaking news as it happens. The world is literally at our fingertips. From helping us to get to places. To ordering food to reading about the ill-effects being online too much. The digital world gives us all that and more! During a digital detox, a person stops using technology like smartphones, computers and televisions. While we cannot get rid of technology entirely, we can set boundaries. Choose to take breaks mindfully. A digital detox can help you lower the stress and physical effects of constant technology use.

 Reduce Waste on the Go

Many people follow green practices at home and work, but they usually opt for convenience when they’re out and about. Following a green lifestyle while on the go doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some easy tips to follow:

• Bring sturdy reusable bags whenever you go shopping – in fact, always have a bag folded in your purse so you’re always prepared in case you do stop at a store
• Carry containers with you when you go dining, so you can bring home the leftovers in your containers
• Avoid the use of single use bottles, plates or cups. Carry a water bottle with you at all times
• Don’t take free or promotional samples unless you are really going to use them – they’ll only end up as clutter
• When visiting a park or beach, carry a trash bag with you and clean up before you leave the area
• Wherever possible use public transport, or share your ride with someone else. Carpool is a good idea

Neither comprehensive or exhaustive, but pretty doable. This is the list of “What can you do on Zero Emissions Day?” Leave a comment on which of these will you do today and probably practice for the years to come. Together we can make the Zero Emissions Day a success.

This post is part of Blogchatter’s #CauseAChatter and #MyFriendAlexa.