Earth Day 2006: Are Americans Doing Too Little to Support the Environment?

AUSTIN, Texas--April 18, 2006--The following is an opinion editorial provided by Valerie Davis, principal, Tuerff-Davis EnviroMedia Inc.:

Earlier this month, Gallup released its annual poll on the environment with the headline, "Most Americans Say Government Doing Too Little for the Environment." In fact, according to Gallup, 62 percent of Americans say so.

Not surprisingly, the numbers vary according to party affiliation. A much lower 33 percent of Republicans think the government is doing a poor job to protect the environment, but that number grows to 67 percent among Independents and tops out at 78 percent among the Democrats.

The environment always seems to get the back seat, doesn't it? There's the Kyoto Protocol, ideas about oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the worst energy crunch since the '70s.

Sure, government can do more, but as Earth Day approaches, it's time we ask ourselves the same question: Are Americans doing too little to support the environment?

We're still driving gas-guzzling SUVs, idling in drive-through lanes, and blasting the AC in our cars, homes and offices. Recycling has plateaued as we toss our PET water bottles into the trash, and we're over-watering our lawns while many parts of the country are experiencing the worst drought in decades.

Perhaps Gallup should do a follow-up survey asking Americans what they're doing to support the environment. Are we being efficient with our limited water supplies, protecting air quality, and curbing the garbage we generate and energy we consume?

Not nearly enough of us are even aware of how our everyday activities can worsen environmental problems. Did you know transportation accounts for two-thirds of U.S. oil use?

The good news is that there are some incredibly simple and sensible ways we can all help improve the global environmental picture. So, for Earth Day 2006, why not embrace the "Top Five Ways for Americans to Support the Environment"? They're so easy, even a Republican, Independent or Democrat can do them.

1. Drive efficiently. Even if you drive an SUV, be sure the tires are
   properly inflated and aligned, and that the air filters are clean.
   Avoid drive-throughs, don't top off your tank, and, as ozone
   season approaches, be sure to fill up only in the morning or
   evening.

2. Garden efficiently. Don't over-water your lawn. The healthiest
   lawns are watered just about an inch once a week. If you have a
   sprinkler system, set it manually and fix broken sprinkler heads.

3. Live efficiently. Remember, water and energy consumption are linked
   -- it takes electricity to pump and heat water. Set your
   thermostat at a comfortable but reasonable level. Save water
   indoors by installing low-flow showerheads. Fix all leaks. That
   goes for plumbing and insulation. Read your utility bills and try
   to reduce your household's consumption.

4. Shop efficiently. Choose products with less packaging and recycle
   whenever you can at home and at work. If you drink bottled water,
   try using some of the trendy reusable Nalgene containers.

5. For goodness' sake, vote. Kiss apathy goodbye. Take control of your
   own personal environment, and when it comes to the government,
   take a few minutes to understand the issues and voice your opinion
   in the ballot booth in every election.

Valerie Davis is co-founder and principal of Tuerff-Davis EnviroMedia Inc., an Austin-based environmental/public health PR and advertising agency.