Today is Earth Day – a day celebrated annually worldwide to support environmental protection. The Earth is our only home, and it’s important that we all do our part to make a positive impact not just on this day, but every day! As Henry David Thoreau wrote in Familiar Letters, “What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?”
Over the past few months, there have been some positive changes happening all across the globe when it comes to of our effects on the Earth. In China’s Hubei province, known for its smog covered skies, there has had an unexpected benefit – blue skies! In Venice, Italy, thanks to the reduction of traffic on the canals, the water is clearer than it’s been in years. The Ganges or Ganga River has also seen an improvement in its water from the lockdown, even enough so to be considered suitable for bathing. Beaches in the U.S. that were once struggling with pollution and litter are cleaner than they have been in decades.
Families are getting outside together, playing, gardening, walking and enjoying the beautiful Earth we live on. So how can, as a country we do more, and keep the Earth thriving even after all this blows over? Below you’ll find a list of things you can do to help make an impact. Get outdoors this Earth day!
1. Plant a Tree or Three: Planting trees around your home provide beauty to the landscape, shade and windbreaks, but it’s one of the simplest things everyone can do to reduce carbon dioxide.
2. Plant a Garden: Growing your own is a little harder than just planting a tree, but is also a lot more rewarding! There is nothing better than the taste of fruits and veggies that you’ve grown yourself, plus the time spent outdoors is a bonus and more plants are better for the environment.
3. Gift Yourself a Reusable Water Bottle: Everyone knows that plastic is really bad for the environment, but did you know that it takes 3 times the amount of water in a plastic water bottle to make it than it does to fill it! Invest in a reusable water bottle, with all the stylish choices you’ll be sure to find one or three that you’ll love.
4. Reuse Your Straw: Yes, you read that right! Reusable straws are another great way to reduce your carbon footprint. You can find them made from everything from stainless steel to bamboo.
5. Support Brands that Give Back: You can also support the environment by supporting brands that give back! A few of our favorites our 4 Ocean, United by Blue, 10 tree,and Patagonia 1% for the Planet.
With such a great list, you’ll be able to begin to reduce your carbon footprint in no time and make Earth Day every day!
