Earth Day: The Difference Begins with You

WESTON, Fla. – In honor of Earth Day today, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“On Earth Day, we take time to reflect on our daily habits and how they effect our environment and those around us. Through small steps, we can make a large difference. From recycling our water and soda bottles to paper and magazines we no longer need, it’s easy to reduce, recycle, and reuse everyday items.

“I’ve been working with my colleagues in Congress and the President to enact the toughest fuel economy standards in history while also working to decrease our country’s dependence on foreign oil. Working together to be more mindful of what we do at home, work and school, we can become better stewards of our environment. In South Florida, we are fortunate to have one of the world’s great wonders in our backyard – the Everglades – and it continues to serve as a reminder that we must leave this world better than we found it so that future generations can enjoy it too.”

Below is a list of ways in which small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference to our planet.

In your home – Conserve Energy
– Lower the thermostat on your water heater.
– Turn off unneeded lights when leaving a room.
– Set your refrigerator temperature at 36-38 and your freezer at 0 to 5. 
– Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load so that it uses less energy.
– Unplug seldom used appliances. 
– Use a microwave whenever you can instead of a conventional oven or stove.
– Wash clothes with warm or cold water instead of hot. 
– Only keep the water running to wet razor or toothbrush when shaving and brushing teeth. 
– Use compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and energy.
– Plant trees to shade your home.
– Replace old windows with energy efficient ones. 
– Shade outside air conditioning units by trees or other means.
– Recycle and purchase recycled products. 

At work- In your office
– Copy and print on both sides of paper.
– Reuse items like envelopes, folders & paper clips.
– Use email instead of paper correspondence. 
– Encourage your company or school to print documents with soy based inks, which are less toxic.
– Use a ceramic coffee mug instead of a disposable cup.
– Recycle printer cartridges.
– Shut off electrical equipment when you leave for the evening. 
– Join a carpool or vanpool to get to work. 
– Use discarded paper for scrap paper.
– Encourage your company or school to recycle and purchase recycled products.