Today is Earth Day!
And there are lots of simple things you can do to save our planet. Check out the list below and see if there are any you can do today. If there are any you can’t get to, do them throughout the rest of the year. It doesn’t have to be Earth Day to be “Green!”
Quick Simple Things You Can Do Today
- Remove yourself from junk mail lists
- Unsubscribe from your newspaper and read it online
- Switch to paperless billing and pay bills online
- Cut back on driving
- Fill your car tires with air
- Carry around a towel with you and avoid paper towels
Things Around the House
- Fix a leaking faucet
- Lower your thermostat
- Install low-flow faucets, showerhead and toilets
- Install compact flourescent light bulbs
- Turn off lights and unplug anything you aren’t using
- Wash full loads of laundry in cold water
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- Turn off the shower while lathering and shampooing
- Recycle old electronics around the house
- Buy non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaners
- Turn off the lights for dinner and use candles
- Set up rainwater collection barrels to water your yard and plants
- Plant a tree
For Your Pets
- Use biodegradable bags to clean up the poop
- Buy natural or organic pet food
- Measure the appropriate amounts of food to feed all pets (fish, dogs, cats, etc.)
- Purchase recycled toys and bedding
- Turn off the faucet while giving your pets a bath
- Buy a doggie sweater and keep the thermostat down
To Do at Work
- Set up a recycling bin at work (get one for $5 at Home Depot)
- Go paperless. Don’t print emails
- Use old paper for taking notes
- Car pool or take the bus
- Ride your bike to work
- Walk or jog to your lunch break destination
For Kids
- Play some Earth Day games
- Check out books from the library instead of buying new ones
- Walk or ride your bike to school
- Learn how to set up a worm composting bin (fun project!)
- Send a Tree-free eCard to friends to raise awareness about environmental issues
Actions to Consider in the Future
- Buy an eco-friendly hybrid vehicle
- Set up solar panels for energy
- Xeriscape your yard
- Join local “Green” groups in your community
- Volunteer to clean up your local rivers and roads
- Grow your own garden
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances
- Start a composting bin
At the Store
- Make sure anything you buy is recyclable
- Bring your own paper or cloth bags to the grocery store
- Buy local foods. Find local markets near you
- Buy a recylable water you can reuse daily
- Purchase a Brita water filter instead of bottled water
- If you buy plastic bottles, reuse them at least once
- Purchase eco-friendly cosmetics
Image courtesy of alexindigo / CC BY 2.0