Earth Day 2018

Earth Day! If you’re reading this, then it has already passed as it was on Sunday, April 22nd, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still contribute! The environment doesn’t need just one day a year of attention. It needs every day.

So, what is it?

Some may wonder what Earth Day is. Others might even question the point when comparing some of the environmental issues today to those found at the rise of the Industrial Revolution such as acid rain, or the smog incidents on the East Coast in the 40s and 50s that left thousands poisoned. Some of the suggested issues may not always seem so blatant or outright harmful to humans. Though you’ll find there are many doubters of concerns such as global climate change, there are many of us who are still quite aware and concerned about the environmental state of our world, and wish to do whatever we can to help. Issues such as the Pacific Garbage Patch, the salinization of the Everglades, or the depletion of the Great Barrier Reef are all pretty difficult to deny. Even checking on live information such as current levels of air pollution should raise a few hairs (State Air or WAQI). If you are curious about how you might be able to help, please read on.

What can you do?

There are a countless number of actions that you can take to help out. There are hundreds of books, websites, and organizations that are available to help you. Here are some resources to get you started.

Quick Tips

Stop using so much plastic that you have control over, such as drinking straws or disposable plastic bags.
Be more mindful of what you are throwing away and recycling. Tip: Sometimes recycling something can be more harmful than good because your local recycling facility doesn’t have the means of processing it. Check to see what you should be actually recycling. That’s what the number on plastic materials is for. If they can’t, then maybe advocate for something better.
Be more mindful of electricity being consumed. The more you use, the more harmful byproducts that are spewed into the environment (TURN OFF THOSE LIGHTS!).
Use only what clean water you need to. Water is not an everlasting resource. Take care of it and use it for what is really necessary (maybe weigh the vanity of a green lawn with the health of the environment).
Upcycle more! Use some of that waste as alternative storage or in craft projects (pst…check out Pinterest).