10 Easy Ways To Make Everyday Earth Day
by Alexandra Mamalider on Apr 21, 2021
The earth isn’t something we should wait to celebrate once or twice a year. It doesn’t begin and end on April 22nd 2021. Here are 10 easy ways and things for you to do to make everyday Earth Day!
- Unplug Your Appliances When You’re Not Using Them
Your household appliances (lamps, toasters, coffee makers etc.) are still using electricity while they're plugged in - even if they're not being used. Helping the planet can be as simple as unplugging! Your wallet will thank you too.
- Always Cold Water Wash
30% of the energy being used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water. Cold water is also better at lifting and removing stains, so why not?
- On That Note…
Take advantage of the warm weather coming up by hang drying your laundry outside – you’ll save on electricity bills and energy at the same time! Don’t have a backyard? You can still hang dry your laundry inside!
- Opt For A Bidet
Hear us out – outside of North America bidets are actually commonplace. One study showed that Americans use 35.5 billion rolls of toilet paper every year which equals to over 15 million trees (!!!). Not only are bidets more sanitary, they’re also cheaper in the long run and can help us preserve the trees that could be better served producing more clean oxygen.
- Reusable > Single Use
Are you still using single use plastic? Why, when there are so many environmentally friendly alternatives?!
Uses this, not that:
- Reusable cloth towels > paper towel
- BPA free water bottle > plastic water bottles
- Beeswax food wraps > plastic water bottles
- Non stick baking mat > parchment paper
- Reusable coffee mugs > single use, non recyclable coffee cups
- Reusable straws > single use plastic straws
- Tote bags > plastic grocery bags
- Turn Off The Faucet
The faucet doesn’t need to be on while you’re brushing your teeth or scrubbing away at dishes. Even turning off the tap while you’re singing happy birthday twice to scrub away those germs can help you save on average up to eight gallons of water, A DAY!
- Unsubscribe
Why opt in for mail that you’re just going to throw out? Most companies even offer their coupons and flyers online – in case you’re a bargain shopper or coupon clipper. While you’re at it, unsubscribe from those newsletters that end up sitting for too long in your junk folder. A recent BBC news article explored the carbon footprint that technology carries. You can read all about it here!
- While You’re At It
Go paperless. Everything is online and easily accessible these days. Plus you won’t have to worry about whether or not you should hold onto that bank statement for 17 months ago.
- Give The Car A Rest
Not only is this good for the planet, it’s also good for you! Whether you’re choosing to walk to your favourite coffee shop or maybe opting to bike to work once a week, a little goes a long way for the health of yourself and the planet!
- Go Meatless
People are often deterred from going plant based because it can often sound like an all or nothing approach but did you know that even reducing your meat consumption can aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?! Starting with as little as one meatless meal a day that maybe eventually turns into a meatless Monday can benefit the environment and you guessed it, your body!
Noticing a Trend?
Surprise, surprise – when we show the planet some TLC, humans reap the benefits too! Save money on water and electricity by being mindful about unnecessary lights being on and appliances being plugged in, reduce your waste and save $$$ in the long term by upcycling and opting for reusable goods, improve your physical health and reduce your carbon footprint by leaving the car behind and fuel your body with nutrient dense plant based foods while reducing greenhouse gas emissions!
