One of the most important days is right around the corner- Earth Day! Celebrated annually on April 22, citizens around the world come together to preserve Mother Nature. Since its initial march in 1970, the modern movement has grown with more than 200 countries pitching in to sustain the environment. As we move forward with our day-to-day routines, it is easy to forget that some decisions we make directly affect the environment, but on Earth day we can put the planet first. Whether you decide to take mass transit instead of driving into work, plugging out appliances after use or even using a reusable water bottle, those little changes can impact our world greatly. So, if you are ready to do your part this Earth Day, here are a few ideas to get you in the spirit!
Earth Day 2018: 19 Ways to Celebrate the Planet
1. Switch all of your bills to e-bills and online invoices and help save millions of trees every single year. Trees are essential sources of oxygen and remove carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air, so if you can afford to make the switch do so!
2. Ride mass transit to work or carpool instead of taking your car. Vehicles cause more than half of the air pollution in the nation. In addition to air pollution, cars emit greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
3. Stop drinking bottled water. Using a stainless steel water bottle can save plastics which are usually disposed of in landfills and dumps.
4. Adopt a highway. Highways are often filled with tons of trash and litter. Build a team and start a cleanup ritual.
5. Change your light bulbs. There is a slew of light bulbs to choose from that are more environmentally friendly. You can also save a lot of money as well.
6. Change your leaky faucets. Leaky facets waste tons of water annually. If you haven’t gotten around to it, why not start today?
7. Volunteer at an Earth Day event. There are a variety of projects to join in on, and there is nothing better than making new friends along the way.
8. Plant a tree. Today is the perfect day to make our world a little greener. Planting trees helps to remove toxins from the air.
9. Set up a compost bin. Instead of throwing things in the trash composting is a great way to fertilize your outdoor space instead of adding to landfills.
10. Write a letter. Writing a letter to your Congressional representatives to demand they take action on climate change and request their support for clean energy.
11. Bike to work. Instead of using your vehicle to get to work biking is a healthier alternative for you and the environment.
12. Unplug appliances. Decrease your energy usage by disconnecting your coffee maker, computer, television, radio and more when not in use.
13. Stop using household chemicals. Clean your home with natural products such as vinegar, liquid castile soap, baking soda and more.
14. Utilize canvas bags when you shop. Plastic bags are wasteful to the environment.
15. Get produce from local businesses. When you buy your food locally; shorter transport distances cause less pollution.
16. Unsubscribe to catalogs. Get rid of unwanted mail and save the environment.
17. Plan outdoor activities. Appreciate Earth day and all its glory. Plan a picnic, hike or trail and take in nature’s beauty.
18. Go dark for a day. Commit to unplugging all electronics for one day.
19. Support farmers. By giving a bag of fertilizer, you can help farmers feed their families and reap better harvests.
