Happy Earth Day! We dedicate this vlog of our trip to Yosemite National Park to our magnificent planet. Also, check out these simple things you can do everyday to take care of the Earth!
Ways YOU Can Protect Our Earth Everyday
1. R-E-C-Y-C-L-E
Duh- right?! This may seem to be a no brainer, but according to Waste Management, reports show that:
- 25% of items being recycled should be placed in the trash
- 69% of plastic bottles used don’t get recycled
- Only 50% of disposed aluminum is being recycled
What you should recycle
Empty plastic containers, paper/cardboard, aluminum, glass, batteries/bulbs/electronics
What not to recycle
Plastic bags, plastic coffee cups, foam containers, bubble wrap, diapers, food items- be sure to clean recyclables that contain food before recycling
For more information on recycling click here
2. Reduce your plastic waste
Invest in reusable Tupperware, water bottles, straws, coffee mugs, & grocery store bags
Some stores will even give you a discount if you bring your own reusable items, like Starbucks, who will give you $.10 off your order when you bring your own mug. Hey, it adds up!
In California, most stores will charge you for a bag if you don’t bring your own- I never leave the house without mine, now.
3. Go paperless
Say goodbye to excessive piles of junk mail, bills, & deforestation! Plan a day to sit down, go online or make phone calls, & switch all notifications to email or unsubscribe from alerts you no longer wish to receive. Many companies will award you for switching to a paperless statement, such as Verizon, that gives you a monthly discount on your phone bill.
4. Donate/sell unwanted items
Seasons change & so do we all. Instead of throwing away old clothes, home decor, & other unwanted items, recycle them by:
1. Donating to places such as GoodWill or Salvation Army
On your tax return, you may be entitled to claim a charitable deduction
2. Selling at a garage sale, on craigslist, or Facebook marketplace
By recycling items, you’re not only preventing new items from filling our already overflowing landfills, but you’re also bringing joy & value to another human on this planet.
5. Conserve water & energy
- Turn off the sink while brushing your teeth
- Strive to shower for 2 minutes less than average
- Use energy efficient light bulbs
- Turn off the lights & unplug appliances when you leave the house
6. Reduce food waste
- Freeze food that goes bad quickly (bread, fruit, meats, etc.)
- Buy only what you plan to eat
- This will also save you money & force you to keep on track with healthy eating habits
“Love the Earth as you would love yourself.”
John Denver
