Our everyday actions can help to bring the goal of environmental sustainability closer too reality. Ecosystems use the sunlight as their source of energy. We too can harness the sun's energy and promote sustainability in doing so. One simple way to do this is to simply open our window shades and turn off the lights during the day. This saves electricity which can cut the consumption of fossil fuels and reduce the pollution that occurs as fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity. During the winter, opening window shades can help heat a home. Some of the sun's light energy converts to heat energy as it passes through the window, thus warming the home. Leaving the window shades up can even take the place of an alarm clock if you are not a heavy sleeper. This saves electricity and prevents improper disposal of toxic batteries.
             Planting trees and gardens also uses the sun's light energy to promote sustainability. Photosynthesis occurs using the sun's light energy. Trees and other plants in return replenish the oxygen in the air and help to promote good air quality. Trees provide a habitat for animals and prevent erosion. Planting your own fruit and vegetable garden also promotes sustainability in a few additional ways. If produce is grown in your own back yard, the air pollution created on your drive to the supermarket is eliminated. This amount of pollution is relatively small, however, when compared to the pollution given off from the farmer's plows, other mass cultivating machinery, and the big rig trucks that transport produce right to your local supermarket. These are just a few of the many ways anyone can promote sustainability using the sun's energy.
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