Earth Day may officially come around only once a year on April 22, but our world would be a better place if we all took steps to take care of the planet year round.
So, we put together several ways to both commemorate Earth Day and to live a little greener all year long.
Earth Day Activities
Start a Recycling Drive at Your Kids’ School
Get some parents and teachers together to look at how your children’s school does or doesn’t recycle. Look for improvements and possibly ways to raise money, such as redeeming recycling credits on certain bottles or cans collected during a special drive.
Organize an Eco-Fair in Your Neighborhood
Invite local businesses and environmental organizations to educate you and your neighbors on the benefits of green living. Think businesses that install solar panels and groups that restore hiking trails.
Plant a Tree
It’s easy to make an impact locally by planting trees, either in your own yard or by organizing a community event to beautify neglected parks or other areas of your city. Be sure to get the proper permissions or permits first, if needed.
Invite an Expert to Speak in Your Community
If you’d like to raise awareness about particular environmental issues, host a community forum and invite a local teacher, professor or simply someone who’s passionate about the environment to speak.
Arrange a Trash Pickup Event
Work with your local parks or other department to clean up a park, beach or other waterfront, school or senior center. Recruit volunteers from your work, your child’s school, your church and other community groups.
Green Living Tips
Buy Products in Easily Recyclable Containers
Learn which types of plastics, metals and glass that recyclers most desire and do your best to buy products that come in those materials. Also look for products that use minimal packaging to begin with.
Start a Neighborhood Compost Pile
Get a group together to create a compost pile the entire neighborhood can contribute to and draw from. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with your neighbors.
Ditch Your Car
If you can walk, bike or take public transportation to work or school, give it a try. If not, why not organize a carpool? You may just shorten your commute time by using the carpool lane.
Switch Your Light Bulbs
High-efficiency light bulbs will make a big impact in the light fixtures you use the most. Look for the Energy Star label when choosing an LED or compact fluorescent bulb.
Reduce Your Water Usage
With more states experiencing water bans, especially during the summer, it’s a good time to look at your own water usage. Shorten showers, set your washing machine to the appropriate water level and only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Also consider water-wise landscaping. Check our blog next week for how to save water in your garden.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Earth Day. Find the ones that are easy and meaningful for your family, and be sure to get the kids and even the community involved. The more you reduce, reuse and recycle, the more you’re making the right kind of impact!
