Beautiful weather had people all over the city and the United States celebrating Earth Day marking its 47th year! After all, we only have one earth and we must take care of it! Concerned that an issue as important as our environment was not addressed in politics or by the media, Senator G. Nelson founded a day to bring awareness to better the cause. Unfortunately, one day is not enough to save the earth we so cherish.

Using, sharing, and incorporating a few steps and tips suggested by environmentalists, into your life, not only helps the earth, but brings together and improves our communities. There are many resources in Detroit that people could visit and use to aid the cause. Being known as the “Motor City” can be a disadvantage, by leaving the City of Detroit to find new ways, other than automotive industry, to improve economic and environmental situations. This industry highly impacts the environment of Detroit.

TRY TO USE ALTERNATE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION SUCH AS CAR POOLING, BIKING OR WALKING.
The creation and use of bikes lanes, cycling  tours, bus stations, and few points of pick up and return shops has tremendously grown and are being utilized a lot more in the Detroit community which in the minds of many is a great idea, to not only get around the city and explore it during enjoyable weather, but to use it as a means of efficient and alternative mode of transportation. The benefits are numerous such as increase in exercise and productivity cutting down our healthcare cost, reducing noise pollution, traffic, environmental pollution reduction, and most importantly helping our local businesses grow! Which brings us to the next suggested tip.

EAT, BUY AND GROW LOCALLY.
Having a healthier lifestyle is a very important contribution to better our earth. But what does buying local actually do for the environment you ask? First and foremost local foods are produced as close to home as possible. Most local produce and products sold in the Detroit area are grown/made within the State, reducing the pollution created by transporting them to the final destination, meaning less Carbon Dioxide, and other pollutants are produced. Secondly, it decreases production of pesticide use which as you know is harmful to both our bodies/nature and along with it would lead to a decline use of machinery and equipment to cultivate and supply the product which harbors a lot of electricity and energy.

USE ELECTRICITY EFFICIENTLY.
Being energy efficient is very important to our environment. When you consume less power, the decrease of toxic fumes released by power plants and other polluting factories, the earth’s natural resources are conserved and protects ecosystems from destruction. DTE has been a huge advocate of energy saving and constantly advertises ways to save energy, water and etc. There are also many programs/products that help to conserve energy.

PLANT AND GARDEN MORE.
By planting and gardening more often we can truly “go green” to benefit the earth. Plants act as highly effective air cleaners, absorbing carbon dioxide, then releases clean oxygen! After all, cleaner air benefits all!

Helping preserve our planet could be simple! We just have to be consistent with good habits and have more genuine concerns. and teach the younger generations to come. Small actions such as turning off lights when not in a room, unplugging  unnecessary/not in use items which consume energy, using alternative means of transportation such as carpooling, biking and walking. Growing , gardening, and planting more are steps to greener and better Earth!

Happy Earth Day and remember…THINK & GO GREEN! – M.