On Thursday, April 22, we celebrated the 51st Earth Day with the theme, “Restore Our Earth,” which urges us to work together to help repair and restore our environment.
While Earth Day is a great time to do something extra for our planet, we need to remember that we should take care of our amazing planet every day. Here are some things you can do year-round to make every day Earth Day:
• Plant something: Trees clean our air and provide cooling shade. Flowering shrubs and wildflowers attract pollinators. A vegetable garden can feed you and your family.
• Save energy: Turn off computer monitors or laptops when you aren’t using them. Unplug power adapters for cell phones, tablets, and laptops when you aren’t charging or using the devices. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Buy energy-efficient CFL or LED light bulbs to replace burned-out incandescent bulbs.
• Conserve water: Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Run the washing machine and dishwasher only with full loads. Save water in the shower by getting clean and getting out.
• Reduce your waste: There are lots of small ways to do this. Use both the front and back of your papers. Use washable and reusable containers instead of disposable ones for leftovers. Before you buy something new, think about whether you really need it or look for something used instead.
• Recycle: Recycling is for more than just bottles, jugs, cans, jars, papers, and cardboard. Make sure you’re also recycling batteries, computers, appliances, inkjet cartridges, and more. Not sure how? Just check with your local solid waste authority.
• Refill: Skip the bottled water and refill your own reusable water bottles. Not only will you create less waste, but you’ll also save money because tap water is much cheaper than bottled water.
• Reduce litter: Make sure the lids are closed on your curbside trash and recycling containers. Be sure to hold onto masks in the car so they don’t blow away when the windows are open. Organize a litter cleanup at a park or in your neighborhood. Consider using tongs, gloves, or garbage grabbers to pick up trash safely.
• Detox your cleaning routine: Exchange bathroom and kitchen cleaners with toxic chemicals for greener options, use vinegar for streak-free windows, or make simple laundry detergent.
• Grasscycle: Let your grass clippings drop back onto the lawn as you mow. Clippings are about 80% water, so they will provide your lawn with needed moisture. They can also supply some of the nitrogen that your grass needs to stay green and healthy. In addition, grasscycling reduces your waste and takes about one-third less time than mowing and bagging. If you grasscycle most of the time and bag occasionally, remember that you can use grass clippings as mulch around plants or add them to your compost pile or bin.
• Compost: Instead of sending fruit and vegetable scraps to the landfill, use them to create healthier soil by mixing them with yard waste in a backyard composting bin.
• Spread the word: Talk to a neighbor, friend, or relative. Use social media to let people know that you care about the planet. Share your ideas about how they can help.
If we treat every day like Earth Day, we can repair and restore our planet and keep it healthy for years to come. What new changes can you make to help out?
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