Households, are the smallest part of community, and we can start influencing people from the smallest part like this. These are small things that we can do to save the world.
1. For my friends, Indonesian housewives.....
According to WHO, climate change is responsible for 2.4 percent of all cases of diarrhea worldwide
and for 2 percent of all cases of malaria. In 2000, an estimated 150,000 deaths and 5.5 million
“disability-adjusted life years” were recorded due to climate change. There is growing evidence that
changes in global climate will have profound effects on the health and well-being of citizens in
countries throughout the world. Especially for Indonesia, climate change has an impact on the spread
of disease. Climate change also has made humans more vulnerable to disease and also increased the
incidence of airborne and waterborne disease. Degenerative and infectious diseases are more likely
to afflict not only babies and the elderly, but also people who are undernourished and live in unhealthy
environments. Global warming has also triggered allergic and respiratory diseases. Heatwaves
increase particles and dust in the air, while increases in sea water levels can cause flooding and
abrasions, especially in coastal areas, and pollute hygienic water sources.
Potential risks to human health from climate change arise from increased exposure to thermal
extremes (cardiovascular and respiratory mortality) and from increases in weather disasters (including
deaths and injuries associated with disaster).
Other risks may arise because of the changing dynamics of disease vectors such as malaria and dengue
fever, including the seasonality and incidence of various food-related and waterborne infections; a
reduction in crop yields; an increase in plant and livestock pests and pathogens; increased salinization
of coastal lands and freshwater supplies resulting from rising sea-levels; climatically related
production of photochemical air pollutants, spores and pollens; and the risk of conflict over depleted
natural resources.
Knowing those condition, what can we do ?
As part of the community, there are a lot of thing that we can do to reduce the climate change, at
least not to make it worst.
Those are :
1. Green transportation
Transportation causes greenhouse gas emissions, so it will be good if we can walk, cycle or
take bus or train whenever you can. It is more cheaper than if you go by your own car, and
especially, if you live in a city with a lot of traffic jam, using of mass rapid transit, will also save
your time, as usually it has their own way.
2. Efficient when using energy
You can save the planet, by switch off lights, change light bulbs to compact fluorescents
or LEDs, unplug computers, TVs and other electronics when not in use, wash clothes in cold
or warm (not hot) water, hang dry when you can
3. We can do it by thinking wisely for what we eat
We have to think about our health. Organic foods are much more healthier and green than
unorganic food. And buy locally grown foods will also much cheaper than if you buy imported
foods. And, eat low on the food chain — at least one meat-free meal a day — since 18 per
cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from meat and dairy production. It is also good for
your healthy.
4. Choose renewable power
Why we have to use gas for heater if we can have the solar panel for it ? actually, it will be
much cheaper for long term period. And you know, the gas price is increase now.
5. Whatch out your waste
2. You know, our government has 3R slogan : Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Garbage buried in landfills
produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Keep stuff out of landfills by composting kitchen
scraps and garden trimmings, and recycling paper, plastic, metal and glass. If you do that, it
will not help to save the planet, but also your wallet.
6. Don’t go by plane
Air travel leaves behind a huge carbon footprint. Before you book your next airline ticket,
consider greener options such as buses or trains, or try vacationing closer to home. You can
also stay in touch with people by videoconferencing, which saves time as well as travel and
accommodation costs.
7. Campaign
Take a few minutes to contact your community, friend, teachers, and especially your family to
tell them you want immediate action on climate change. Remind them that reducing
greenhouse gas emissions will also build healthier communities, spur economic innovation.
Can we do that ? I believe we can...It’s just changing our behaviour..... for our future...