Happy Earth Day! I grew up in a rural area of the Appalachian mountains in Tennessee. I spent most of my free time outside as a child, and as an adult I’m still trying to get out into Mother Nature as much as possible. I decided to become an environmental engineer to help take care of the planet. The world has gone though so many changes recently that affect the oceans, the climate, the forests, the other creatures who call this planet home, and our own species.
It’s so important that we all take action everyday to help our planet. I truly believe that baby steps made over the course of time and by many people can add up to something big!
Here’s a list of some actions we can all work on to help the planet:
Recycle. Look out what materials are recyclable in your area.
But more importantly, use less packaged products. Many materials that are sent to recycling centers are not processed for recycling, and those that are use up energy. So turn down that straw, bring your own shopping bags, use a reusable bottle, and cook more from scratch.
Cook more at home and try not to waste any food. Food waste is a HUGE problem that can be overlooked sometimes! Up to 40% if food is wasted in the United States. Decomposing organics release greenhouse gases. Compost what food scraps you don’t use.
Consume less animal products. Large industrialized farms create massive amounts of waste (💩) and this waste is not easy to get rid of or even regulated, so it often ends back up in the environment. Plus, there’s tons of other reasons to eat less or no animal products.
Drive less. If you can walk or ride your bike, do it! Or carpool! You’ll get exercise or quality time with a friend.
Volunteer! There’s tons of events going on from clean ups, tree plantings, and public education opportunities.
Educate yourself. There is so so much info out there available the environment and how we can help. The more you know about the effects our actions have on the changing planet and what you can do to help, the more you will feel excited about making environmentally friendly changes in your life.
Feel free to comment any of your own Earth saving tips. Love you all. 💛 🌏