Happy Earth Day! Earth Day is honored on April 22 every year around the world. This is the day where we recognize the things we can do to protect mother Earth and ways we can encourage others (and ourselves) to do the same. Quick story: I am more eco-friendly then I was 10 years ago. I really was not doing my part. I started by simply recycling about 5 years ago since my community has recycle pick up. My husband was not on board. It wasn’t his thing and he did not want to be bothered. I went on and decided to go ahead and start. I planted the seed. Now, my husband and the kids are avid recyclers in our household. It’s a little thing we started doing (with cans and bottles) and now it is a habit.
As a family unit there are ways that you can help out not just today but everyday. Here are some recommendations on ways to be more eco-friendly for Earth Day (and everyday).
RECYCLE
This has to be my first suggestion. It is simple. You already have the tools: bags, empty bottles, cans, paper. You may have to find out where your community the recycle center is or when your recycle pick up day is in your community or neighborhood. Most communities have weekly or bi-monthly pickup days already set in place.
BRING YOUR OWN BAG
Bringing your own tote bag helps save on the usage of plastic bags. Some companies will give you, the customer, incentives if you bring your own reusable bags instead of using the store’s plastic bags. In efforts to be seen as “green” companies and reduce pollution caused by plastic bags, retailers will offer money back or coupons for bringing your own bag. Saving money is a good incentive, don’t you think?
CHANGE YOUR LIGHTS
How does changing a light bulb help the Earth? CFL (compact fluorescent light) and LED (light emitting diode) can have a significant impact on your utility bills and help in your efforts on becoming green = saving energy.
These energy saving bulbs replaces about six incandescent light bulbs because it lasts six times longer than the average light bulb. You would have reduced the number of light bulbs you throw out from hundreds to a few = reduce waste.
DIY
There are a lot of eco-friendly products available to purchase. I love that they are available, but sometimes there are things you can use that are already in your home (and sometimes better than what you will pay in the store). Make your own homemade detergent. Instead of buying cleaners, try natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon. Make your own exfoliate with lemon and sugar (and essential oils).
REPURPOSE
Find new uses for old things. You will be surprised by all the extra things you can do with just one item (Google or Pinterest are great for these). Like to sew,use t-shirts as dishcloths. Like to garden, check out these pots. What can you do with that crib?
The smallest change can make a big difference. Be creative. Have fun. Happy Earth Day!
Great reminder! I actually wrote up a post about why reusable bags are better to use, simply from a consumer’s standpoint! http://www.whatsupfagans.com/2013/10/reusable-bags-are-better-to-use-than-plastic-for-consumers/
I know there a lot of other great things I should do though still!
These are great tips!! I believe if we all do a little, it will make a huge difference in our Earth!! Happy Earth day!
Thanks so much for the ideas!!
Thank You For All The Ideas & Tips We Really Need To All Start Doing Our Part To Save This Beautiful Land!
Love these ideas!! Happy Earth Day!! We are trying to make a difference too!
Happy Earth Day!
happy earth day! I need to remember to always bring my own bag, especially since they now charge us every time we need a bag at the store.
Great post! We’ve added more things to the recycling list. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this post!
We are not big on recycling here in our complex, this is bad I know! Thank you for sharing these great tips.
We have mostly switched all our lights over to CFL or LED.