Celebrate our planet all year long
Earth Day is April 22; a day, which is celebrated globally by over 192 countries. This day is marked by fundraising concerts, rallies and other events dedicated to raising awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and public health.
Some retailers are offering eco-friendly freebies to promote Earth Day this year. Target is giving away one reusable shopping bag per customer on April 22. Natural beauty brand Origins will be giving away one full-size sample of a cleanser in exchange for a bottle of your current skincare product in honor of Earth Day. They will recycle all bottles and packaging they receive. Barnes & Noble is offering a 20 percent discount on Earth-friendly toys and games from its online store. Chipotle Mexican Grill will give away a free burrito to customers who purchase a lunch bag on Earth Day. The bags are made from recycled Chipotle billboards. The National Park Service is offering free admission to all 397 national parks April 21-29.
Although the observance of Earth Day is a great way to raise awareness, there are many ways you can be greener everyday – not just one day a year.
Eat locally whenever possible. Shop at farmers markets and support restaurants that buy local. Pollution generated from transportation and support local farmers. Plant local plants to cut back on maintenance costs. For example, if you live in the desert, don’t plant a palm tree.
Reduce, reuse and recycle plastics. Get one or two reusable bags for groceries. Use travel mug for your morning coffee – they’ll fill it for you at Starbucks. Buy one steel water bottle instead of buying and using multiple plastic bottles. Use cloth napkins at home, rather than paper.
Use cold water for laundry. You can save 85 percent of energy. Also, line dry your clothes. Next time you purchase an appliance, get an energy efficient model.
Walk or ride your bike rather than drive whenever possible, or try to combine all your errands for the week into one trip. Pay bills online to save paper. Take shorter showers and conserve water.
There are many little things you can do to help conserve the environment – on Earth Day, and every day.
