Let's Make Every Day Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day!

As I've mentioned previously, we don't have to limit our efforts to help the planet on just one day each year! It's easy to find things we can do to make a difference everyday. The important thing to remember is that you shouldn't feel like you have to fix everything. Nobody could do that. :) Start small - pick a few things and work on those. Once you have those as part of your routine, you can start adding new things.
Don't forget to encourage your parents and friends to help you out!

Simple things you can do everyday:
*Recycle - recycling is one of the simplest things you can do. Many things can be recycled but be sure to check that facilities exist in your area (your parents can help with this). Common things that should go in the recycle bin instead of the trash can include newspapers, aluminum cans, tin cans (soup, tuna, bean, etc. cans), and glass bottles. Plastics can be tricky so you may need to do some research to check the plastics you have are actually recyclable.


*Turn off lights, the TV, the stereo, and your computer when you are not using them. My husband really needs to work on this! Do you have any tips on how I can teach him? :)

*Ask your parents to use cold water when they run the washing machine. Also, when you're filling the dishwasher, make sure you have a full load before turning it on.

*Clean out your closet. Rather than throwing your old clothes away, donate the ones that are in decent condition to a local thrift shop or charity.

*Help save water - take shorter showers, turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth or lather your hands/face, and flush the toilet less often.

*Help pull weeds rather than spraying pesticides. This is also a great way to get some exercise (just be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen!)

*Walk or ride your bike instead of driving or asking your parents for a ride. Here's another good source of exercise!

*Ask your family or friends to help you clean up trash in a local park.

*Plant shrubs or trees in your backyard. Remember, trees help absorb greenhouse gases and other pollutants!

*Encourage your parents to use cloth bags at the grocery store. If they absolutely have to use plastic bags, ask them to re-use them (they can line small trash cans, you can use them to carry lunch to school, etc.)

*Use both sides of your paper.

*If you drink soda, snip the plastic 6-pack holders since these can harm animals.

Links:

• Justgive.org
• Environmental Protection Agency - Earth Day Network
• PBS Kids - How You Can Help
• Pew Center Global Climate Change

Activity:
Please use the Comments section to write some of your own ideas for simple things you can do to help make a difference.