Earth Day is April 22. How will you give back to the planet you call home? With its origins as a grassroots movement, Earth Day created public support for the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contributed to the passage of the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act, the Endangered Species Act, and several other environmental laws. The reality is that we should do our part to care for the planet 365 days a year. But Earth Day does serve as a reminder to make sure your priorities are in check.
Here are a few ways to celebrate this year:
- Host a neighborhood park clean-up
- Properly dispose of electronic waste at a collection center, like Goodwill
- Properly dispose of any medications, instead of flushing them down the toilet
- Recycle whenever possible
- For short distances, walk or bike
- Cut back on meat consumption which is the #1 cause of climate change
- If you have to drive, cluster your trips to cut down on emissions
- Purchase and use cloth bags for your groceries
- Put your computer on sleep mode at night to conserve energy
- Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth or washing your face and hands
- Cut your shower short
- Shop at thrift stores and garage sales
- Buy used books
- Use cloth diapers
- Install LED bulbs
- Volunteer for an environmentally-focused organization
- Cut down on your laundry and dishwasher use
- Buy recycled paper products
- Buy local produce. It doesn’t have to travel as far as imported varieties, which cuts down on the environmental footprint
- Ask the cashier to not print your receipt
You can be the change you wish to see in the world. Your friends and family might be surprised by your dedication and take note.
