Celebrate Earth Month Every Day! by Georgia Sparacino

As we reached the end of April, Earth month is also came to an end. Earth month is a time to celebrate our planet and everything she provides us. We take this time to step back and practice ways to make our planet a better place to live. We should be celebrating our Earth every day. Let’s continue to reflect and practice these strategies to reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably. Here are just a few ways we can make a difference!

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Reduce, reuse, and recycle, of course!
Here is a simple task we can complete every day to make a difference. We throw things in the garbage all day that could be recycled or composted. If everyone did this, the combined effort would make a huge difference. Check in with your town and see what recycling programs are available. Bringing your own grocery bags and straws are other easy way to contribute to reducing your impact on the environment. Use a reusable bottle for your beverages on the go! Buying secondhand items and donating used goods is another option to consider. These options will save you money and reduce waste at the same time!

Volunteer for cleanups in your community!
Volunteer with a local organization to help your community stay clean. These groups help to clean up waterways, parks forests and neighborhoods. It is a way of bringing people together to repair and improve public spaces that have been neglected or vandalized. Participating in a clean-up organization can draw people’s attention to the issue. Observing first-hand the compilation of waste and litter will make people think of their consumption choices. 

Reduce your energy consumption!
Unplugging appliances when not in use, turning them off, and installing energy-efficient LED lights are easy ways to reduce energy consumption in homes, according to the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV). RACV states that LED lights last 5-10 times longer than halogen bulbs and can save up to 80% on lighting costs! Insulating the ceilings, walls, and floors can also help control a home's temperature, which can lead to significant savings on heating costs. To conserve water, taking shorter showers and only washing dishes or clothes when there is a full load can help. Additionally, installing a solar hot water system or heat pump can provide energy-saving benefits.

Celebrating Earth Month every day is important because it highlights the ongoing need for environmental protection and sustainability. Earth Month encourages individuals and communities to take actions that protect our planet and her resources for the future generations to come. By celebrating Earth Month every day, we are reminded that every action we take has an impact on the environment, and that small changes can make a big difference. To learn more about how to create a healthier and sustainable world, click here!