“More than 50 years ago, a generation rallied to confront the environmental crisis they faced. They took action in hopes that those in power would listen. Today, a new generation is sounding the alarm louder than ever, demanding that world leaders act. It is in all our interests to rise to that challenge and let our legacy be one of action.” -President Biden, Earth Day 2021
On Friday, April 22nd, our planet celebrates Earth Day 2022. What started as a call to action for an environmental transformation has transpired into a global event celebrating the environmental movement and igniting an education revolution to save the planet. As the industry’s leading provider of energy- and water-saving products and other energy management solutions, the team at AM Conservation lives the fundamentals of Earth Day, every day. We advocate for sustainability initiatives and provide solutions that make a meaningful difference. And outside of the 9 to 5, our people demonstrate a passion for living a more sustainable life as well. Through the organization of community clean-up events, growing organic gardens, and investing in clean energy like solar and EVs, our people and organization are committed to taking action. But you don’t have to be an energy efficiency company to make a difference. Even small actions have an impact.
Here are just a few of the ways to live a more sustainable life and leave a legacy of environmental action:
Advocate for Education. Climate and environmental literacy raise awareness of issues impacting the planet, as well as actions we can take to improve and sustain our environment. Go big, and participate in or help deliver an efficiency education program, or start small and enroll in an environmental education class. Education instills the values of conserving the environment and makes a difference in the communities we live in. It also leads to action. Comprehensively understanding climate change and how it affects our future enables mitigation measures that can be employed to address the climate crisis.
Reduce Water Usage. 2.7 billion people worldwide face water scarcity, meaning they lack continued access to clean water that sustains life and helps prevent disease. Living in parts of the US, it’s easy to believe water is in endless supply. But the reality is that ecosystems around the world are suffering. If consumption continues at the current rate, by 2025 two-thirds of the world’s population will face water shortages. Bringing it closer to home, communities in California, the most populated state which is facing its fourth year of a major drought, are asking households to reduce their water consumption to 55 gallons per day because the current water supply won’t last the year without a serious change. 55 gallons is enough water to fill a bathtub and flush the toilet a handful of times. Nearly half of the states in the nation, including Kansas, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, parts of Oklahoma, and even Texas are facing water shortages and restrictions. Climate change and population are shrinking our water supply.
According to the EPA, each American uses an average of 82 gallons of water per day, and the average family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs. We can all use 20% less water per day, and make a big impact on water shortages nationwide, by installing water-efficient devices and appliances. The switch would save families $380 annually.
Build a Resilient Future. Have you ever wondered how you are personally contributing to climate change? You can calculate your carbon footprint online and identify a few ways to reduce that footprint. Get started by practicing behavior change at home. Set your thermostat this summer to 78˚F. Or take the leap and purchase a smart thermostat and save energy year long. Replace inefficient lighting throughout your home and business with LEDs. And consider transportation. If you aren’t ready to explore the benefits of driving an EV, reduce the total number of miles you drive daily by 10%. Many of our daily activities, such as using electricity, driving a car, and disposing of waste are causing greenhouse gas emissions. Your footprint is a result of your daily habits, location, and choices. Take action to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to building a future free of climate crises.
Are you ready to make a difference? Join AM Conservation in celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd and live a more sustainable life.