5 fantastical ways to protect the environment

Often, I wish there was the advanced technology to save the earth from pollution, garbage, toxic waste and all the things that are damaging our planet. The earth supports too many people with too little resources and the health of the world will only get worse.

• Fantastical Way #1 - Find a way to burn all garbage (plastics, paper, wood, metal, etc.) in a special incinerator that would burn clean and not pollute the air, the ashes left could be used for composting. Elimination of landfills.
• Fantastical Way #2 - As population increases, create floating space stations in the sky, below air traffic, where people live and work, keeping the planet free from development and returning it to a natural state. People play on earth but don't stay there.
• Fantastical Way #3 - Discover an economical way to replace all paving and roads with pervious materials that will allow rain water to seep into the ground, thereby reducing flooding and runoff.
• Fantastical Way #4 - Create a new building material from all and any landfill refuse that is not dependent on logging. Stop deforestation and turn these areas into conservation and eco-tourism spots. Allow the local people to be in charge of maintenance, management and protection while creating a revenue stream for their families.
• Fantastical Way #5 - Produce a substance that when released into the air would remove excess carbon dioxide and pollutants from the sky. Breathable air for everyone.

While these ideas sound great, they aren't practical right now. Maybe in another 100 years someone will create a city in the sky or re-forest the planet.

Here are some ideas to protect the earth now, you probably are already doing some, but it's always good to have a refresher.

• Realistic Way #1 - Refuse the plastic bag when shopping and bring your own shopping bag or tote when you get groceries and other items. I sometimes carry my items in my hand, if it's small.
• Realistic Way #2 - Get a compost bin in your backyard for organic garbage and yard waste. Reduce the amount of garbage your household creates.
• Realistic Way #3 - Install a trash compactor. These are fairly small and fit under your sink. A trash compactor can really condense your refuse and you don't have to throw out your kitchen trash as often.
• Realistic Way #4 - Re-use items in your house to make new things, like coat racks, book cases, shelves, picture frames, hooks and more. Reduce the amount of things you have in your house and keep it from potentially going to the landfill.
• Realistic Way #5 - Install solar panels. Make your house more sustainable by using solar power for your energy needs. Reduce your dependence on local power suppliers and save money.

These are just a few thoughts and I know some are expensive ideas but something to work towards. For example, I would like to have a trash compactor someday but I need to save money before I invest in one. I'm sure if you are creative you can come up with some unique ways of protecting the planet, it just takes a little effort. There are always people with new ideas and suggestions. Check out the pictures of some of the projects I've done with re-usable items I found in my house.