April 22, 2020 we celebrate Earth Day! And more than that, we can celebrate the fact that we've had 50 years worth of Earth Day! That's pretty amazing! This year has been exceptional in many ways, and it has become more important than ever to do more for Mother Earth.
What can we do?
We can make everyday Earth Day. We can make little changes in our daily lives that all add up to make a big difference for the planet.
So...
If everyone makes the changes they can, even if it's imperfectly, we can still make an incredible impact.
Here are some things you can do:
Refuse: Ditch the plastic! Use reusable shopping bags and storage bags, water bottles, and travel mugs. Even if you don't go so far as to bring your own straw, you can certainly refuse the plastic one.
Reduce: Help reduce your carbon footprint, water and energy consumption. Instituting Meatless Monday is a great start as the livestock industry generates approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Use low-flow shower heads and take short showers. Turn off the lights when you don't need them.
Reuse: Right now, paper towels and tissues are in short supply. Why not seize the moment and switch to cloth? Un-paper towels and hankies are fairly easy to find, or make, if you're the crafty sort. Cloth napkins are just classy. And if it must be disposable, like toilet paper, at least make it sustainable. Choose bamboo or tree-free products.
Recycle: Recycle the things you can. Repair broken items. Re-gift or donate the things you don't need or want any more. Re-purpose old items in new and interesting ways.
Rot: According to the EPA, 20% of what goes into municipal landfills is food waste. And if that's not bad enough, it doesn't decompose there. A carrot top from the fifties would still be recognizable today. The answer? Start your own compost heap or bin at home. There are so many resources within easy reach to get you started. Once you have your compost going, you can use it on your new organic victory garden. It's a victory for yourself and for the planet.