A Resolution for the Planet

The year 2004 is gone, over with, never to be seen again! We can all say goodbye to all the bad things that happened over the year and start with a fresh slate. This fresh start on life is usually begun with a New Year’s resolution where one promises to become a better person in one way or another. For example, when you take a look at that last chocolate chip cookie and say, “I resolve to never eat another cookie until a lose 20 pounds!” that is a resolution (until you break it a week later). Well this year I’m making a New Year’s resolution for anyone who wants to join in because it’s going to take a lot of us to do. I resolve that the people of Delaware can all pitch in to help clean up the environment in which we live.

There have been many reports lately on the health of the environment in Delaware, and the grades are not good. The river ways are considered some of the most toxic in the nation due to excess runoff from industries and farms. The air is deemed to have an unhealthy amount of toxins in New Castle County according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Cherry Island Landfill is almost filled to the top without any place else to put our waste. On top of all of that, humans are taking up a large amount of open space that wildlife needs as habitat to survive. However, there are any ways in which we can resolve to turn the situation around in our area.

Here are some suggestions for resolutions that will help clean up our wonderful state:

• Recycle as much as possible, the amount of waste that could be prevented if everyone recycled in Newark can be measured in tons annually! Check out the Delware solid Waste Authority's Web site at www.dswa.com for more information on recycling
• Plant native plants in your yard. It creates habitat for wildlife, saplings help take extra CO2 out of the atmosphere, and prevents pollutants from running off into the water supply. For information on how please contact the Master Gardener volunteer educators at 831-8862.
• Walk or bike to close destinations instead of driving and when you have to drive choose a fuel efficient vehicle instead of a gas guzzling SUV. The amount of pollutants prevented from the air can again, be measured in tons.
• When Food shopping try to by organic, even if you switch one vegetable option to organic, you’ll prevent some environmentally harmful chemicals from being used.
• Turn off any electrical equipment not being used, for example lamps that are on in a room nobody is in. Also, switch to energy efficient products to reduce the amount of electricity used. Not only will you help the environment, you will also save on your utility bills.
• Lastly, volunteer for locale environmental programs such as the Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org) or at the Delaware Nature Society (www.delawarenaturesociety.org)

Joining me in making these new years’ resolutions and more can help bring the environment back on its feet here in Delaware. Besides, it allows to eat all the cookies you want.

—Matt Webb, Environmental Education, 4-H After School Programs

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