How we can stop Earth Day from becoming doomsday

[chelsea_simens]

With the U.S.’s carbon footprint growing, air quality flunking, and a 12 year warning to stop planet warming Earth Day is not in its heyday.

On April 22, 2019 Earth Day celebrated its 49th anniversary. Let’s make this birthday one to remember! Below are actionable items you can take every day of the week to continuously celebrate Earth Day and improve the Earth:

Day 1 - Turn the faucet off

We waste gallons keeping the faucet on while we: bathe, wash our hands, wash our dishes, brush our teeth, etc… (Water.USGS.gov)

Day 2 - Buy/Use a reusable water bottle/coffee cup/straw!

You’ll save plastic and always be hydrated 🙂

Plus, many coffee shops offer discounts for bringing your own container! (Eater)

Day 3 - Update your light bulbs

Here’s a bright idea! Switching your light bulbs to energy-efficient can save 25%-80% less energy and last 3-25 times longer.

Plus, you can save $75 a year (Energy.gov)

Day 4 -  BYOB

Bring your own bag anytime you shop. “Worldwide, a trillion single-use plastic bags are used each year, nearly 2 million each minute. The amount of energy required to make 12 plastic shopping bags could drive a car for a mile.” (Earth Policy Institute)

Day 5 - Go meatless for a day

The U.N. reports that the meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It's also estimated that over 1,800 gallons of water are used to produce just a single pound of beef. (GoodHousekeeping)

Day 6 - Unplug at night

Your electronics need sleep too! Power off and shutdown your electronics to save energy overnight.

Day 7 - Volunteer at an Environmental Organization

Check out idealist and volunteermatch to find an organization near you and get one step closer to saving the planet.

Did we miss any? Let us know other ways we can clean up the Earth below? Comment below and we’ll send you one of the following books (your choice!) from our Environmental and Nature  trade books: