Spring is a great time to come together and make a tangible difference in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. Don’t worry if you missed Earth Day, we have a whole list of easy changes you can make that have a lasting impact.
- Conserve Energy
One simple yet impactful way to celebrate Earth Month is by conserving energy. Set timers on electronic devices to reduce standby power consumption and unplug chargers when not in use. (I admit I always forget to do this!) Did you know that lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save approximately 3% on heating costs and reduce carbon emissions by around 1000 pounds per year for the average household? Keep that work from home hoodie close!
- Go Paperless- On Everything!
In today's digital age, going paperless has never been easier. Switching to electronic billing and communication not only reduces paper waste but also minimizes the energy and resources required for printing and transportation. According to the Environmental Paper Network, if every household in the United States switched to electronic billing, it could save approximately 18.5 million trees annually! Check to see if you are still getting any paper statements and spend a few minutes this week opting out!
- Volunteer for Environmental Causes
Many organizations offer volunteer opportunities focused on environmental conservation and sustainability. Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist allow you to search for local events and initiatives where you can contribute your time and skills. Whether it's participating in a beach cleanup, planting trees, or assisting with community gardens, every volunteer hour counts towards a greener future. If you can’t make it to a formal event this week, pick up trash in a local park or on your next beach walk and make it a habit to leave places cleaner than you found them.
- Reuse
Give yourself a reuse challenge this week. Whether its egg cartons for toddler toys, turning those stained jeans into cut offs, or making sure plastic bags come with you on your next grocery run.
- Support Sustainable Practices
Choose to support businesses and brands that prioritize sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) when making purchasing decisions. By voting with your wallet, you can encourage more companies to adopt eco-conscious policies and reduce their carbon footprint. Recoup is the first beverage brand to be Regenerative Organic Certified! Learn more about what that means here.
- Embrace Meatless Mondays
Reducing meat consumption, particularly red meat, can have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. Challenge yourself to go meatless on Mondays and explore plant-based meal options. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, producing one pound of beef requires approximately 1,800 gallons of water and generates significant methane emissions. Go plant-based: for a day, a month or a lifetime.
- Opt for Sustainable Transportation
Whenever possible, choose sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transit. If you live in NYC test out a city bike membership or swap the uber for the subway next time you’re out. Shifting just 10% of car trips to biking or walking in major cities could reduce carbon emissions by millions of tons annually.
- Calculate your Footprint
Calculate your carbon footprint and offset it. Check out Sea Trees where you can donate to offset your carbon footprint by planting mangrove trees.
- Support Local Farmers Markets
Shopping at local farmers markets not only supports small-scale farmers and businesses but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and packaging. By buying locally grown produce and goods, you're promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.
- Educate and Advocate
Spread awareness about environmental issues and encourage others to join the movement for a greener planet. Share informative articles and resources on social media, participate in local environmental initiatives, and engage in conversations with friends, family, and policymakers about the importance of sustainability. Remember, collective action starts with individual voices.
By incorporating these additional ideas into our Earth Month celebrations, we can enhance our collective efforts to protect and preserve our planet for generations to come. Together, let's embrace Earth Month and strive towards a more sustainable and resilient world.