Earth Hour

Nowadays everybody is aware of the serious problem of the environment. Water and ecosystems are being subjected by our society to a lot of pressure and it is obvious that the climate is changing progressively. Thus, we cannot deny that the climate change is not a real topic as politicians of all over the world were discussing it in Copenhague in December 2009. We are not politicians and although we have not too much power, we can do important tasks in order to prevent people from spoiling the countryside.

Firstly, it is very important to persuade people to recycle, reuse and reduce paper, metal, plastic and glass. Recycling techniques have contributed to preserving energy and natural resources, reducing the volume of waste and protecting the environment. Thus, everybody should buy recycled paper products instead of using up the natural resources. Besides, as we produce too much rubbish, we can refuse to buy products with a lot of packaging. I think the best choice is to reduce the rubbish rather than throwing it out in a dump or burning it because by reducing waste, we do not pollute so much.

The second task I would like to suggest is to go on foot, use bicycles or public transport for short journeys as not to use more oil. It could be a good piece of advice only to use your car when you really have to. In a small town like Cáceres, you can walk everywhere. In this way you would not pollute the environment and you would be healthier. Another solution could be to share your car with other mates if you need to commute.

Finally, it would be advisable to use alternative energy sources such as solar, wind or water power. They provoke a visual impact but, at least, they do not pollute like traditional energy sources do. I think it is much better to install solar or wind power in Extremadura than a Power Plant. However, I know there is too much controversy because there are people who prefer the money they receive for having a Power Plant to a healthy life and a clean environment.

In conclusion, we can do many things to avoid spoiling the countryside but everybody must collaborate. Because of that I think that everybody should join Earth Hour next Saturday 26th March at 8. 30 p. m. It is an initiative motivated by the Non-Governmental Organitation WWF. And the encourage everybody to swich off lights in order to slow they climate change down and show governments what we are able to do!