Did you know that tomorrow, on April 22nd is Earth day? Personally, I have mixed feelings regarding this day. On one hand, I think it is wonderful to have a day to celebrate our beautiful planet. On the other hand, I feel sad that we do need a date to remind ourselves to give back to this amazing world we rely on. Considering the things we do to this planet, we would need an Earth Day everyday in order to make things right again. Nevertheless, there are ways we can turn things around. Maybe not overnight, but let's not get discouraged by that.
One of my favorite quotes, that has stayed with me during the years is this:
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do." by Helen Keller
Whenever I feel my actions are too small, too insignificant to change anything, I think of it and it encourages me to do whatever is in my power to do. And to be proud of it. So, you may not be able to invent the solution for the climate change today (If you do, you need to let somebody know!), but you are still able to make a difference.
Here is list of things you can do TODAY to live a greener life:
No matter if you choose to do one or all of the above, your choices and actions are important! Please share, to inspire even more people.
Happy Earth day!
One of my favorite quotes, that has stayed with me during the years is this:
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do." by Helen Keller
Whenever I feel my actions are too small, too insignificant to change anything, I think of it and it encourages me to do whatever is in my power to do. And to be proud of it. So, you may not be able to invent the solution for the climate change today (If you do, you need to let somebody know!), but you are still able to make a difference.
Here is list of things you can do TODAY to live a greener life:
- Only run your dishwasher/washing machine when it is full. Most new appliances also have ECO programs, which save energy by using less heat.
- Hang you clothes up to dry on the sun instead of using the dryer. Bonus: The sun acts as a natural whitener, persistent stains will fade over time. Line drying is also better for your clothes, as it doesn't weaken the fabric fibers.
- Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. It is a simple but effective way to conserve water.
- Are you a Starbucks lover? Get one of those re-usable cups. Not only will you shrink your environmental footprint, but it also saves you money. They are only $1 and you will receive a 10 cent discount every time you use it!
- Ditch your commercial cleaners and switch to greener and cheaper solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda. Read about great cleaning alternatives here.
- Re-purpose those shopping bags! You might already use re-usable shopping bags, but we all know that moment when we get to the cash register and we realize we forgot them, either at home or in the car. Now, we are stuck with several plastics bags and a guilty conscience. Before you throw them out, re-purpose them: Use them as a poopie bag for your dog, pack lunch, or use them as small trash bags. Take them on another shopping trip, and another until they break. The more use you get out of them, the better you will feel about it.
- Use cloth towels instead of paper towels whenever you can.
- Shut down and unplug idle electronics.
- Plant a tree. I know, it sounds whimsical. But it really is a great thing to do and to teach your children. If you don't own a backyard, offer to plant one at your family's or friend's yard. One tree can offset tons of carbon over its lifetime!
- Buy local and in season. Produce in the supermarket grown in different countries, need to be shipped by plane, truck or railway and therefore are burdened with greenhouse gases.
- Buy organic. Added pesticides do not only harm the environment but also your body!
- Turn off the lights if they aren't in use.
- Use recycle bins.
No matter if you choose to do one or all of the above, your choices and actions are important! Please share, to inspire even more people.
Happy Earth day!
Do you have any other tips you like to share? I would love to hear from you!