The first celebration of Earth Day was held in 1970 and since then, more than 500 million people have participated in Earth Day festivities. Earth Day is a globally held event each year on April 22 to raise awareness and efforts towards lowering our impact on the planet.
Wondering how you can participate this Earth Day? There are many simple ways you can make an impact all year long! Kick off your new environmentally-friendly habits on Earth Day and then keep them going because every little bit helps and if everyone gives an effort, we can make a huge impact! Just read on to discover four simple ways you can help the planet starting now.
1) Bring Your Own Bags
The plastic bags you receive when you shop at the grocery or convenience store are not biodegradable and end up clogging waterways, filling landfills, and harming wildlife. Often mistaking them for food, plastic bags pose a serious danger to birds and marine animals. Thousands of animals die each year from swallowing or choking on a plastic bag. It doesn’t have to be this way! Simply bring your own reusable cloth bags to the grocery store every time you shop. Imagine the impact you will make with a lifetime of avoiding plastic bags! Encourage your friends and family members to do the same. One handy tip is to keep extra reusable bags in your car at all times in case you forget them on your next shopping trip!
2) Recycle and Reuse
Instead of tossing materials in the garbage only to end up in a landfill, recycle everything you can. By recycling, you are helping to reduce the amount of new materials that need to be made. Check with your local recycling service for which materials are acceptable and start setting them aside now. Most recycle plants take plastic, paper materials, and glass.
Another simple way to reduce your waste is to reuse items. Up-cycling or reusing materials is a creative way to make old or used items into something new! Use glass food jars for storing small items or make them into a candle holder. Use an old coffee canister to plant flowers in or turn a laundry detergent bottle into a watering can. There are so many possibilities for reuse and you may even save a few bucks!
3) Cut Out Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are a huge concern for our environment and they are relatively easy to cut out. Simply purchase materials that are reusable and eco-friendly. Avoid plastic water bottles and instead, opt for a reusable one you can refill again and again! Instead of using plastic sandwich bags or throw-away plastic containers for your packed lunch, purchase a set of reusable lunch containers. When you go out to eat, don’t use a straw in your drink, simply drink out of the side of the glass or bring your own reusable straw. Plastic ware is another large source of waste. Opt for using reusable silverware and carry an extra set with you to work or school to use at lunch. There are many alternatives for single-use plastic and every time you choose them, you are reducing the amount that ends up in our environment.
4) Respect Your Environment
Being aware of and caring for your environment is the most impactful way you can help planet earth! Go outside daily and observe the amazing wildlife around you. Be mindful in everything you do and every product you purchase. Opt for environmentally-friendly products, ride your bike or walk instead of taking your car, pick up trash on the ground at any chance you get, plant a tree, and advocate in your community for environmental protection. Every effort makes a difference. Change for our planet starts with you!
Remember that nature should be left wild and animals should be given distance when you come across them. You should never feed animals in the wild. Instead of supporting the captivity of wild animals, opt for a wildlife tour. The Manatee Cruise boat takes you on a relaxing ride around the natural habitat of incredible Central Florida wildlife like seabirds, manatees, dolphin, many species of fish and more. Here, you can see animals in their most natural state. Book your cruise today and come celebrate Earth Day with us. Hope to see you soon!
