P2 & You....
A Guide To Environmentally Friendly Living
Introduction P2 & YOU...
It's more than a catchy phrase. P2 (otherwise known as Pollution Prevention) and you, refers to incorporating conservation and pollution reduction activities and principles into how we live our lives. P2 & You can range from very simple things, such as turning off the water when you brush your teeth, to environmental decision-making before major purchases, such as buying a clothes dryer with a moisture sensor, cool down cycle and electric ignition.
This booklet contains information on ways to lead more environmentally friendly lives and reduce the negative impact we each have on the environment. The ideas and changes are varied, some save energy, others reduce water use or resource consumption, and others are aimed at reducing the pollution we create.
Why do we need to lead environmentally friendly lives?
Consider the following:
- The average Delaware household throws away more than 2700 pounds of solid waste each year.
- In this country, more energy is used for heating houses and apartments than for any other purpose. Of the 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide (a major contributor to global warming) that human activities put into the atmosphere each year, more than 1 billion tons come from burning fuel to heat homes.
- Human beings need about 4 gallons of water per day to survive. The average Delawarean uses 75 to 100 gallons per day. When we use more water than we need, we are wasting money and energy and increasing water pollution unnecessarily. We can reduce our water consumption by 20-40% at very little expense or inconvenience.
- Our cars have numerous negative impacts; they are a significant source of carbon dioxide, and release hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide, which combine with sunlight to produce ozone, a common problem in Delaware.
