We live on a planet that provides us with so much, from the air we breath to the water we drink, and in order to recognize and appreciate our planet, we celebrate Earth Day every year.

In honor of Earth Day, last week’s poll asked Moorpark students which method was their preferred way to contribute to environmental preservation. The poll received a total of 23 votes and the leading option was carpooling with eight votes, or 35 percent.

Carpooling, or ride sharing, refers to the method of multiple people taking fewer cars, if they’re going to the same place, or using public transportation instead of their individual automobiles. By doing this, there are less cars being used on the road and therefore less carbon dioxide emissions. These carbon dioxide emissions are damaging to the earth’s atmosphere, so the more that can be omitted, the better.

Recycling took second place with six votes, 26 percent. Recycling is important because it takes plastics that do not decompose in our landfills and melts them down for reuse, This way, they are not polluting our planet and it becomes a reusable resource.

Receiving five votes, or 22 percent, was planting trees. Trees are an important resource, not only for food and lumber, but for oxygen. With the rainforests and kelp forests diminishing, every tree planted helps.

In fourth place with four votes, or 17 percent of the vote, is reducing water use. Living in Southern California, it is common to hear of the drought, or lack of usable water that is available. Recently, it has been encouraged that residents cut their water usage by taking shorter showers, only water lawns once or twice a week and shutting off the sink while brushing teeth in order to preserve water.

In last place with no votes is using less electricity. By using less energy, we save on using the resources needed to make energy, These resources are either considered non-renewable and therefore once they are gone, they are gone for good; or renewable, by which we can create again and again. The non-renewable resources are the ones we need to be careful to save.

Earth Day is a day to remind us that we need to take care of this planet just as it has taken care of us.

Stop by this week to vote on the next poll!