Make A Difference This Earth Day With These Simple Steps

The 46^th Annual Earth Day is this Friday, April 22.

Earth Day is a great time to remember how simple it can be to think about the many ways to live a sustainable lifestyle, one that works for you and the earth.

We are going to think about sustainability when it comes to products, energy, waste and water.

When you shop for clothing, home décor and personal products, before you click “Buy Now” or swipe your credit card, think about whether the products you are buying are eco-friendly.

Here are a few tips for sustainable shopping:

1.    While you probably recycle your products after they have been used, think about buying products that are made from recycled materials.

2.    To reduce over consumption, buy items that will last longer instead of buying the same item several times.

3.    Reduce the amount of materials you use by buying in bulk.

4.    Repair appliances and furniture instead of replacing them.

5.    Avoid disposable products.

6.    Repair and sell things you no longer need.

If you’re buying a TV, washing machine, dishwasher or other appliance, buy the most energy and water efficient model you can afford. While energy and water efficient electrical appliances may be a little more expensive, they pay for themselves through lower energy and water bills.

A few tips for energy sustainability:

1.    Unplug appliances when you’re not using them: 8 percent of your electric bill may be to power electronic devices your believed were off.

Many home electronics such as computers and televisions continue using power even when they are turned off. Plug these electronics into power strips and turn the strips off when they equipment is not in use.

2.    Plant shading trees and bushes: To reduce home energy consumption, think about plants that can cut your summer cooling and winter heating costs.

For summer, plant trees on the south and west sides of the home. Prune off lower branches as the trees get taller, so the lower winter sun can shine under and help warm the house.

When considering ways to be sustainable when it comes to waste, think the three R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle.

1.    Reduce: As mentioned above, when you shop, buy less and look for products that are durable and well-made. The extra money you might spend on them will be offset by the money you won’t spend replacing them.

2.    Reuse: Every year, Americans throw away enough paper, plastic cups, forks and spoons to circle the equator 300 times.

Switch to reusable and skip the landfill.

3.    Recycle: Recycling not only eliminates waste being sent to landfills, it also conserves natural resources like timber, water and minerals.

Recycling reduces pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Reports tell us that while 70 percent of the world is covered by water, only 2.5 percent of it is fresh and just 1 percent is easily accessible.

Here is what you can do to help conserve water:

1.    Designate one water bottle to be your drinking glass every day. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

2.    Choose a water sustainable showerhead. They are inexpensive, easy to install and can save up to 750 gallons a month.

3.    Get a rain barrel. Rain barrels are a sustainable way to capture rainwater for use when you need it.

What tips to you have to live more sustainable? Comment below and share on social!

Learn more about Earth Day and what you can do to get involved.