If you’re looking to live more sustainably and reduce your environmental impact, what better time to start than Earth Day? Celebrated each year on April 22, Earth Day highlights the need to build a healthier, more sustainable planet.
How can you help? Take the following actions.
Conserve Energy
It’s simple: Turn off lights and electronics when they’re not in use. Adjust the thermostat when you’re not at home. Replace incandescent lightbulbs with high-efficiency LEDs.
Reuse & Recycle
Don’t just throw things away; find ways to reuse them. Examples include boxes for storage and old clothing as rags. Separate waste such as cans, bottles, and plastic and recycle them.
Eat Local & Organic
Organic foods are produced using sustainable practices, and local foods reduce transportation-related carbon emissions. Look for organic choices at the grocery and visit your local farmers market.
Use Water Wisely
Clean water isn’t an infinite resource. Use less by taking shorter showers and only running your dishwasher and clothes washer on full loads. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
By making a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle, you’ll be doing your part to make the planet a better place this Earth Day and all year long.
From the April 2023 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living.