We are lucky to have fresh air to breath, fresh food to eat and access to clean drinking water. It’s easy to get caught up in our daily struggles, life stressors and challenges, and to assume that someone else will handle the issues in the world. But as members of society, we can all make a difference and any amount of change and action, no matter how big or small, will have a positive impact on the world. Our Earth is amazing and we must not take it for granted.
In honor of Earth Day, here are a few tips to implement into your life as you do your part to take care of Mother Earth. You don't have to do them all (or do any of them all the time), but by doing your best every day, you are doing your part.
- Go digital! Save paper and send an email. There is nothing wrong with a nice hand-written letter but pay bills online, stay organized on the computer and avoid printing unnecessary information that will quickly end up in the trash.
- Plan a clean-up day in your local community. Pick up trash, plant trees or start a flower garden.
- Grow your own vegetables and fruits, herbs and spices or support the local farmers by shopping local.
- Turn off the TV, water and lights when not in use.
- Protect water quality. Don't dump used oil, paint, coolants or other chemicals into the ground, storm drains or garage drains.
- Eliminate or cut back on plastic bottle usage. Go to your nearest small business sport store and invest in a quality, reusable BPA-free drinking bottle.
- Produce less waste with your paper towels, tissues, toilet paper and paper napkins by conserving to what you actually need at one time (it's easy to overuse). Consider using washable cloths for spills and kitchen clean-up.
- Bring your own reusable bags when you grocery shop and recycle bags whenever possible.
- Buy products in bulk or with minimal packaging materials. Re-use and recycle as much as possible. Purchase and use reusable produce bags and storage bags.
- Open the window shades and enjoy natural light. Don't turn on the lights or crank down the AC if you don't need it.
- Carpool, walk, use your bike and be strategic with your outings when you run errands to minimize driving. Many people live within 2 miles of somewhere that they are driving to. If you can safely walk or bike, leave your car at home.
- Don't water your sidewalk. Be mindful of your sprinkler system, especially if it just rained or is about to rain. Conserve water in and outside the home.
- Learn about composting and mulching. These natural fertilizers will improve your garden soil’s fertility and will help to retain soil moisture. Use natural lawn products - friendly for you, your pets and the environment.
- Plants trees to benefit local communities, increase habitat for species, and combat climate change.
- Did you know that toilets are the most common source of household water use? A leaking toilet can waste more than 150 gallons per day! You may not see or hear water running, but routinely check to make sure your toilet doesn't have a silent leak.
- Drive smart. Avoid waiting in long drive-through lines - turn your car off and go in. Minimize use of air conditioning if you can. Get regular engine tune-ups, and don’t ignore "check engine" or "service engine soon" lights. Fill your gas tank during cooler evening hours to cut down on evaporation.
- Use less stuff. Become a DIY-er. There are many ways to reduce waste in your home. Share magazines and newspapers with a friend, neighbors, a nursing home, hospital or library or leave in a gym. Donate used goods such as clothing, furniture and toys to a thrift shop, day care center, charity or second-hand store instead of throwing them out. Consider what you can make at home instead of purchasing online.
- Conserve energy in your kitchen. Use the right size pot or pan on the stove for the item you’re cooking. When your oven is done pre-heating, be sure to use it. Cover pots and pans when cooking if possible. Make sure to clean the refrigerator coils and switch the refrigerator to its power-miser setting.
- If you only use a few dishes day, wash your dishes and only use the dishwasher when it is full. Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water whether it’s full or just partially full of dishes, so make the most of it. When doing laundry, save energy and use cold water for wash and try to wash full loads. Air dry your clothes.
- Did you know that one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in 7 years? Or that one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in 6 years? Every year, between 8 and 10 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters. Low cost spaying or neutering is a solution to pet overpopulation and is available at most shelters. If you can provide a loving home, attention and give exercise to a pet, go find a rescue animal to call your own or to foster.
"One individual cannot possibly make a difference alone. It is individual efforts, collectively, that makes a noticeable difference—all the difference in the world."
~Dr. Jane Goodall