With Earth Day recently being celebrated, we are reminded of the planet’s struggle to survive.
Informative posts, fundraisers, and clean up events have been circulating on social media in attempts to make some sort of impact on issues like climate change, pollution, and other environmental issues that we face today. With so much information constantly circulating, many feel overwhelmed or disheartened about the situation.
Taking action on these issues can be difficult with the feeling of hopelessness looming over our heads. In leu of this common emotion, below is a brief list of seemingly small, mundane tasks that you can do at any time (not just on Earth Day) that will make a difference in your community’s overall environmental wellbeing.
- Beach Clean-Up: with the weather getting warmer, beach trips are becoming more of an everyday occurrence. On your next visit to the beach, bring an extra trash bag! Not only can you use this for your own waste, but for any litter you might see on your stroll down the coast. This simple task can make the world of a difference. This way you can enjoy your time outside while also helping keep the oceans clean.
- Re-use Emptied Food Containers: When an old butter container or ketchup bottle is emptied, these can be reused! Using more durable plastics as Tupperware for left over foods is a great way to recycle things that might’ve otherwise ended up in the garbage. Glass jars can be refurbished into food containers or even drinking glasses. the possibilities are endless
- Switch to Reusable Products: Going along the same lines as reusing old food containers, making the switch to reusable grocery bags or coffee filters will save you money while making a difference! Single-use plastic or paper bags and filters are wasteful; reusable products are typically made with recycled materials.
- Make small changes to Your Diet: Participate in meatless Mondays! Within recent years, research has shown that the meat/livestock industry is one of the biggest contributors of harmful carbon emissions Experimenting with fun, vegetarian recipes is a great way to be a part of the change—who knows, maybe you’ll come to appreciate a meatless diet more after!
- Stay Informed: Read up on your communities’ environmental efforts and assist in any way that you can. Advocate for your community in local government issues discussing environmental issues. Your voice matters in this fight for change!
