3 Ways to Protect Our Planet and Celebrate Earth Day
It’s easy to take for granted everything our planet has to offer. We often forget the impact we have on the sustainability of the Earth, and that the choices we make can tremendously affect the health of the planet. With Earth Day on April 22nd, it’s important to take a step back and reflect on the little things that we can do to make our lives more eco-friendly. Below are e three meaningful ways you can celebrate the planet this Earth Day, throughout the month of April, and everyday during the year.
Earth Day was first celebrated as far back as 1970 and was celebrated across the United States and focused on finding practical ways to protect the environment in our aspects of our life. As time passed its meaning and the celebration of Earth day grew, by 1990 it has been celebrated globally. Now more than 200 million people who are representing 141 countries across the globe come together to celebrate Earth Day. Celebrating Earth Day globally can make substantial changes and environmental improvements for the world, but each of us must do our part — no matter how small it may be it will make a big difference in the future of our planet.
1. Get in the habit of recycling
This may seem simple enough, but more often than not you’ve caught yourself throwing an empty water bottle or old newspaper into the garbage can. It’s also common to throw certain recyclable’s away simply because you aren’t aware of what materials should be recycled. This Earth Day, make it a point to learn what items you can recycle. When you’re more aware of the metals, paper, plastics and even electronics that can be recycled, it’s easier to take action and make recycling a priority.
In addition to learning more about recycling the proper materials, you might also want to step back and come to terms with the amount of recycled products and waste you go through. Disposable plastic water bottles are one of the biggest contributors to Earth’s pollution, filling up landfills and contaminating oceans. Cross off plastic water bottles from your shopping list and instead look for a reusable water bottle that you can fill up with tap water. Not only are reusable bottles environmentally friendly, but they are often cheaper and safer than disposable bottles.
2. Shop for secondhand clothing and accessories
As consumers, the choices we make can have a large impact on our planet. It’s important to be conscious of the clothing we buy and how often we purchase new garments. Shopping at secondhand stores and upcycling our old clothing and accessories is just another way we can create a more sustainable environment.
Did you know that it can take up to 2,700 gallons of water to produce the cotton necessary to create a single T-shirt? Instead of heading to the mall for a new pair of jeans, stop by your favorite consignment shops like GoodWill or the Salvation Army. Purchasing secondhand clothing can also be done online, with stores like – thredUP making clothes more affordable, accessible and eco-friendly. Rather than throwing old clothing away, you can also donate your clothes, accessories, and more to any secondhand shop.
Buy second-hand can go farther than clothing. Why not go second-hand with your furniture, you can find many great deals on Craigslist or yard sales as well as the above mentioned stores. Make your home not only comfortable, but beautiful with these tips for creating an eco-friendly sustainable furniture and decor that will go a long way to helping our planet. Take old furniture or other old items and reuse or refinish them to fit into your home decor. You not only save a lot of money but you are helping the stop the overflowing landfills that are polluting our planet in so many different ways.
3. Participate in a cleanup project
Volunteering is one of the best things you can do to get involved this Earth Day. National cleanup projects such as Adopt-a-Highway are always looking for groups and organizations of volunteers to lend a helping hand to remove litter from roads and highways. If you’re community does not have a cleanup program in place, maybe you can start one of your own. Establishing a cleanup organization in your community is a great way to keep your town clean. It’s also a fun way to meet new people and learn from others about the many ways that you can help the planet.
There are so many other things you can do to create a more sustainable environment for yourself and for future generations.
- You can reduce emissions on your work commute by carpooling with coworkers or riding your bike to the office.
- Plant a garden in your backyard with different herbs, vegetables and other edible plants that you can enjoy, rather than driving to the grocery store.
- Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to take some time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Take a hike with friends or enjoy a stroll around the lake. Getting outside and soaking up the sun is a great way to show just how much you appreciate and celebrate the planet you call home.
Celebrate Earth Day with a friend or group since you can make a bigger impact on our home – planet Earth. Become part of the solution not part of the problem. Many people celebrate Earth day by planting a tree which is so simple and easy to do and in the long-term that one tree each year can be a part of a healthier, happier and brighter future for our children and all future generations.
I would love to know what you do to celebrate Earth day and what you do to help keep our planet healthier and safer everyday, protecting our future.
Please leave your comments below and share you ideas or tips with us to help spread the word across the globe. Make this Earth Day the best and meaningful one yet!!! We can do it together!
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