Earth Day April 22nd: 10 Quick & Easy Ways to Show Your Support

It’s the day when people come together to celebrate the optimism of the environment. It’s a day when people spread their knowledge about healthy and safe environmental practices. It’s a day for education and compassion.

Earth Day. April 22nd.

Beginning in 1970, Denis Hayes established the first Earth Day. He’s the chairman of the group that created it, but a group of college students helped spread the word and organize various groups of people together. As the years have gone on, many countries have adopted Earth Day. Now it’s widely recognized. How can you help this Earth Day? It’s quite easy. Here are a list of common Earth Day activities you can do to help the environment.

1. Walk or Ride a Bike

“Environmentally friendly cars will soon cease to be an option…they will become a necessity.” – Fujio Cho, President of Toyota Motors

While riding a bike is perfect for exercise, it can be even better if you use it as an alternative to your car for transportation. Try riding your bike to work a couple of days a week, or when meeting friends at restaurants. It can open your eyes to a brand-new adventure. By opting to walk or ride a bike, you reduce the amount of emissions that your car would normally release into the atmosphere. Walking or biking is also a great way to clear your mind.

2. Recycle

It’s simple. Instead of throwing away your trash to sit forever in a landfill, it’s better for the environment if you recycle. You can recycle by following a couple of easy steps. First, sort your “trash” into piles of plastics, metal, and fibers, like paper products. Then, take your collections to a recycling facility and place them inside. Some recycling facilities even pick up curbside. Simply walk the recycling to the designated bin. That’s it! It’s short and sweet and saves the environment.

3. Change Your Light Bulbs

Lightbulbs blend into the background of your life, and it’s easy to dismiss them. With a variety of bulbs to choose from, try to choose CFL lightbulbs. These bulbs last ten times long than standard bulbs. According to a report, the company Energy Star saved people and businesses $362 billion on utility bills since 1992. Just imagine if only a fraction of that money was back in your pocket. In the end, what matters most is that they help save electricity and resources in the long run.

4. Modify Your House

This sounds like a lot of work, but you can change your home in a multitude of small ways. For instance, you can focus on energy efficiency. Turn the lights off when you’re not using them. This small step cuts back on electricity and lowers your electric bill. Also, turn the water off between uses. If you’re renovating, or building an addition, opt for green building materials. A little bit every day adds up to a lot in the end.

5. Drive the Speed Limit

Putting the pedal to the metal is not the smartest idea when you’re trying to help the environment. If you aren’t on the interstate, there’s no reason to go 70 mph. If the speed limit is 60 mph, go 60 mph. In this example of going 60 mph instead of 70 mph, you can save up to 4 miles per gallon. Your car will thank you for your conservation.

6. Plant a Tree

“He that plants trees loves others beside himself.”-Thomas Fuller

Planting a tree can give you a sense of accomplishment. Not only are you supporting the environment, but you’re also contributing to the betterment of planet Earth. Trees bring oxygen with them, and they serve as homes for various animals. Planting a tree does more than helping the environment. It also makes you feel like you’re making a difference in the world.

7. Subscribe to E-Bills

In every sector from turbine energy to recycling plants, technology can help the environment in amazing ways. A small way technology contributes to helping planet Earth is through the use of e-bills. Instead of using paper bills, get the documents sent electronically. Pay your bills online instead of mailing a check. It cuts down on paper use, fuel and cleans up the environment.

8. Pick Up Trash

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

This is a great way to volunteer and help the community. Picking up trash helps the environment (obviously). You’ll be able to socialize with those who have the same passions as you while helping the Earth. You’ll learn a lot about how much people actually litter when you’re out picking up others’ trash. It’s an excellent volunteer opportunity and a fantastic way to get a little exercise.

9. Stop Drinking Bottled Water

Bottled water wastes so much space. The bottles are completely unnecessary and only lead to excess waste. If you do end up buying a bottle of water, reuse the bottle multiple times. The bottle will still be okay to use, and you’ll be saving the environment by not helping in the manufacturing of even more plastic bottles. Recycle the plastic bottles you have lying around the house. It’s a tiny step but one that can truly help the Earth.

10. Join the March for Science

Due to some changes in policy in the United States, the scientific community needs to unite now more than ever. As certain policies enacted are negating the severity of climate change, it’s extremely important to fight for science. You can help by joining the March for Science on April 22, 2017. Many satellite events will be held around the country and around the world.  If you can’t march, contributions go a long way to helping the cause. Showing support for the march on social media is also a huge help!

“Be the change you wish to see in this world.”-Gandhi

At the end of the day, it’s important to realize that every day is Earth Day. Take what you’ve learned and use it. Celebrating Earth Day every day, even if you take it a step at a time. And go out and show that you care about the environment!