04/22/2022
Seven simple ways we can help the environment in our day-to-day lives on Earth Day and beyond:
1. Be mindful of your power usage.
Limit your electricity consumption by turning off lights and unplugging electronics that are not in use in your home. Take advantage of natural daylight and avoid excessive use of lamps and lights during the day. When your phone or laptop is done charging, unplug it.
2. Change up your commute.
Walk or ride your bike to destinations when you can, and when you can’t, consider carpooling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
Walk with your kids to or from school—or both ways. Ride your bikes, scooters or skateboards to local parks and enjoy time outdoors. Ask a colleague if they would be willing to carpool with you to work—which not only has environmental benefits, but also allows for the use of the carpool lane during rush-hour traffic.
3. Make recycling a priority.
Make recycling easy for your family by having designated containers for aluminum, paper and additional recyclables accessible. This way, you’ll keep waste to a minimum, and have a clear location for recyclables.
To make recycling more fun, encourage your family members, friends or roommates to recycle by using the funds made from dropping off recyclables at a local recycling center to do something fun.
4. Pick up trash in your community.
Commit to a day of service in your community, and pick up trash on the streets, local parks or beaches. Do your part to keep litter off the streets, and encourage others to join in your efforts of beautifying your city to make it clean and healthy.
5. Support eco-friendly businesses.
Use your consumerism for good by purchasing products from eco-friendly businesses that manufacture their goods with recyclables or limit their plastic consumption. Buy reusable coffee cups, straws and drink containers, and shop at thrift stores to give items another chance before purchasing new things.
6. Conserve water.
Save water by limiting shower time or turning off running water in your sink while you brush your teeth. You will not only see a decrease in your water bill, but also help reduce energy consumption at wastewater treatment plants and be a better steward of natural resources.
7. Spread awareness.
Be a voice for the planet in your community by spreading awareness of why it’s important to protect the Earth and the steps you can take to do so. Join local environmental causes, and be an advocate for the environment in your community. This small step can encourage and motivate others to take small steps to better the environment—which can have a huge impact in the long run.
