In Honor of Earth Day
This year Earth Day is on April 22, 2017. While it is a day that most people make fun of, it is really important to understand the impact humans are creating on Earth. The earth has been around for 4.5 billion years, and while it has managed to be doing just fine for several billion years, our beautiful planet needs our help more than ever before. We are all to blame for the problems on Planet Earth, and while some of the damage is inevitable, a majority of it can be prevented. Every little step will help improve the conditions of our home.
REDUCE THE USE OF PLASTIC ASAP
Tons of plastic is ending up in the ocean. It is estimated that the amount of plastic in oceans will outweigh the weight of all of the sea life in oceans by the year 2050, but it could happen sooner. 8 Million tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, and 80% of that plastic is from littering and overflowing garbage cans in public places. Here’s how we can reduce our plastic use every day.
1. Bring your own shopping and produce bags to grocery stores.
2. Bring your own coffee thermos or tumbler.
Many coffee places, such as Starbucks, will give you a discount for bringing in your own coffee thermos or tumbler.
3. Invest in a good reusable water bottle.
Swell, Hydro Flask, and Camelback are a few of the many good choices when it comes to reusable water bottles. Some of the options may be a little pricey, but it will save plastic over time. It also saves you about $250 each year.
4. Reuse plastic containers, flatware, straws, and toothbrushes.
Bamboo toothbrushes, straws, and flatware are excellent biodegradable items if you want to reduce the use of plastic.
REDUCE WATER
Americans waste about 1 trillion gallons of water each year. Not only is this upsetting, it is also preventable. Here is how we can prevent it.
5. Turn off water while brushing your teeth and scrubbing dishes.
If you are not using water directly, turn if off. There is no reason why water needs to be running if it is not being used.
6. If where you live allows it, collect rainwater to water plants.
It is actually illegal to collect rainwater in some states. http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/rainwater-harvesting.aspx has more information on the legislature of rainwater collection in different states.
7. Take faster showers.
The average American shower uses 17.2 gallons of water (8.2 minutes long).
HOME USE
Here are some ways we can reduce our footprint around the house.
8. Unplug/ turn off electronics when they are not in use.
If you aren’t charging your phone, there is no reason for your charger to be plugged in. Items that are plugged in, but not in use, such as phone and computer chargers, lamps, electric outlets, Keurig machines, etc. still use a lot of electricity, but this is called phantom electricity since the appliances are in idle mode. Unplugging electronics that are not being used also cuts down the electric bill.
9. If possible, air dry clothes.
Obviously there are some clothes and articles that need to be dried via dryer, especially in college, such as towels, bed sheets, and blankets, however if you can skip on drying shirts, jeans, and underwear, not only will it make your laundry money last longer, it’s also better for the planet.
10. Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees for searches
Check it out! https://www.ecosia.org/