Earth Day is Friday, April 22, and this is a day to celebrate our planet and help keep it clean so we can continue to live on it. Although you should try to incorporate these things into your daily life, Earth Day is a great day to start taking steps toward helping our planet. Here are a few small steps you can take that will make a big impact.
1. Reuse plastic bags
Most environmentally-conscious people will tell you to use paper instead of plastic. When you can, you should opt for paper bags. However, sometimes you have no choice. At my school, when you buy something at the convenience store or at the bookstore, they only have plastic bags. When you have to use plastic bags, reuse them; don’t throw them away. Plastic bags can be reused in all sorts of ways. Use them as laundry bags when you’re on a trip, as trash bags for small trash cans and, of course, as bags. You can reuse them to carry something else next time. There’s no need to throw away plastic bags after you use them once because chances are you’ll need them again. Next time you get a plastic bag at the store, hold onto it. You’ll need it, and you’ll be taking a small step toward helping our planet.
2. Recycle
This is the one everyone knows. They teach children in elementary schools that recycling saves the planet. It’s true. Recycling plastic and glass helps to reduce air and water pollution by not letting these products decompose for millions of years. Similarly, recycling paper helps to reduce the number of trees cut down every year, which means there’s cleaner air for us to breathe. Separate your plastic and glass bottles and containers from your trash and try setting your printer to print on both sides. These simple things will help keep our environment cleaner and better for living.
3. Take shorter showers
Taking long showers wastes a lot of water. Shortening your shower will keep your energy costs down while also saving water that would have just gone down the drain. Try limiting your showers to just 10 minutes a day, and avoid taking baths. Some people like to turn on the water so it heats up before they get in the shower; avoid doing this. If you can, don’t turn on the water until you’re in the shower and turn it off as soon as you’re finished. Save some water for the fish.
4. Turn off the lights during the day
A lot of the time it’s sunny enough that we don’t need to use lights inside. If your room has big windows or if your windows let in enough light, don’t turn on the light. There’s no need to keep the light on when you can barely tell the difference between it being on or off because the sun is shining enough. If you can, use battery-powered lights where possible. This saves energy by not using electricity at all.
5. Unplug your phone charger
A lot of people leave their phone chargers plugged into the wall when their phones aren’t in them. This wastes a lot of energy because energy is still flowing from the outlet to your phone charger, but your phone charger isn’t connected to anything. When your phone is fully charged, unplug your charger. This will not only save energy, but it’ll allow you to keep your charger for a longer time because it won’t get worn out from being constantly plugged in.
6. Buy a reusable water bottle
Reusable water bottles are great because you’re not using any plastic that can end up in a landfill somewhere. Using a reusable water bottle allows you to always have access to a drink while helping the environment. A lot of schools and other buildings now have water fountains that are equipped to fill water bottles in an effort to reduce waste with plastic bottles. It doesn’t have to be an expensive one, but I highly recommend getting a reusable water bottle.
7. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth
I have never done this, but I know a few people who keep the water on while they’re brushing their teeth. Turn it off. If you’re not using the water, it should be turned off. Otherwise, you’re wasting your money and water. Leaving the water running while brushing your teeth can waste about five gallons of water, which could easily be used elsewhere. Next time you brush your teeth, turn off the water.
8. Walk when you can
When places are within walking distance and the weather is nice, walk. Driving produces a lot of emissions that can be harmful to the environment because they pollute the air. So grab your walking shoes or even a bicycle when you can instead of driving. You’ll help keep the air clean, and you’ll probably feel better about yourself for getting exercise, too.
9. Turn off your computer
Just like with phone chargers, people leave their computers turned on and plugged in when they’re not charging or being used. This wastes a lot of energy. When your computer is unused and not charging, unplug it from the wall. You’ll reduce electrical costs while conserving energy.
10. Wash clothes in cold or warm water
It takes a lot of energy, and money, to heat water. Next time you have to do laundry, wash your clothes in cold or warm water. It takes little to no time to make the water warm, so you won’t be wasting any energy, and washing your clothes in cold water saves even more energy. And try to only cycle the dryer once when you’re finished washing your clothes.
Just these simple, small steps can help preserve our environment. We only have one planet to live on, so we need to do everything we can to protect it. Happy Earth Day!
