Earth Day 2019: Five Things You Can Do for the Planet
April 22, 2019
It is no secret that as individuals living on this Earth we must change our habits in order to keep our animals and ecosystem intact. As Earth Day (April 22, 2019) slowly approaches this year, there are a couple of things that we as individuals can do in order to do our part for the environment.
Turn Off Lights
You can help conserve energy by turning off your lights earlier or turning them on later than you’re used to. Individuals usually tend to turn on the lights when it gets dark and leave them on until they go to bed. Try to either turn your lights on an hour after it gets dark or an hour earlier than you’re used to.
Recycle
Recycling goes a long way, even if you’re not used to doing it. Even if it’s for a month, try to recycle any plastic or paper you have that you would normally throw away in a regular dumpster.
Bring Your Own Shopping Bags
Bring your own shopping bags when you go grocery or clothes shopping. In some states, grocery and clothing stores still give out plastic shopping bags with your merchandise. However, other states require that you bring your own shopping bags or they will charge you up to 10 cents per plastic bag you use. Invest in durable, reusable shopping bags that you can bring with you when you go to the grocery store or shopping.
Reusable Straws
Reusable straws are becoming more popular as people are becoming aware that plastic straws make their way into the ocean and endanger sea animals. Invest in stainless steel straws that you can take with you anywhere, such as restaurants and public places. This will prevent you from using plastic straws and reduce the amount of plastic in the environment.
Clean Up Your Neighborhood
You should help clean up your neighborhood or any surrounding areas of any trash or pollution. Check your local storm drains to see if there is any trash caught in there that could potentially make its way into the ocean. If you see a piece of trash, pick it up! It’s a good idea to carry a plastic bag around with you and collect any pieces of trash you may see in the streets. Volunteer for clean ups in your neighborhood or city.
By doing one or more of these items for even a month, you are contributing to making a difference in our environment!