Happy Earth Day fellow Earthlings!

Each year on April 22nd, millions of people celebrate the Earth to help protect our planet from things like pollution, deforestation, climate change and global warming. Earth Day  was founded in 1970 and is an annual reminder of how beautiful our planet is, and how we can all do our part to keep it that way.

We only get one Earth, one planet, there are no redos or second chances. We have been polluting and smothering our planet in trash for the last 60+ years. Not only has it affected marine and land wildlife, but it also took a toll on our health as Americans. Climate change is a real issue and pollution is happening. These topics need to be heard and fixed. As human beings, we need to do better and take a stand for these issues so our next generations to come have a bright, positive and successful future. 

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To help celebrate this day, below are some (very) helpful tips, reminders and pointers to help out our planet that I’ve learned from The National Ocean Service as well as from school and my peers. 

– Always RECYCLE your used glass, cardboards, plastic and paper. Take them to a local recycling center or even a parking lot with recycling dumpsters to start the process of “reduce, reuse and recycle!” Here are some links for a local recycling centers and dump spots– https://goo.gl/maps/SfismvGRPwJJMMVX6  and https://goo.gl/maps/YyXCTvRbPPu8oadc6. 

-Use an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle! These types of bottles can be washed in the dishwasher and then reused on a daily basis. These don’t even have to be particularly for water, they can also be used for juices, smoothies, coffee or anything else that you desire. 

-Shop wisely! This means, purchase less plastic and bring reusable tote bags for groceries! Places like Trader Joes, Aldi, Costco and Sam’s Club practice using brown paper grocery bags and tote bags. The brown paper bags can be reused for anything that fits in them and once they rip you can recycle them (they are paper!). The tote bags on the other hand, can be washed and dried in the washing machine and dryer.

-Invest in clean energy! Solar and wind power are becoming more and more popular today. Statistics show that in the next 25 years the percent of solar and wind energy will increase by 48%, combined. They produce clean, efficient and renewable energy that does not release toxins or chemicals into the atmosphere that cause greenhouse gases to harm our Earth. 

-Use long-lasting light bulbs! These are energy efficient light bulbs that reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in our environment. Also, flip the light switches off in your house during the night, when you aren’t home or even when you just leave a room (this may also help your electric bill). 

-Bike more! The use of cars is convenient and easy but not only is gasoline pricey and a non-renewable resource, but it releases toxic compounds of hydrogen and carbon that can cause pollution and lung disease in humans. Bikes on the other hand only burn your calories and make you and the earth you live on healthier!

-Use reusable masks! The surgical and disposable masks that come in light blue, black, white, pink and yellow need to be thrown away after 1-2 weeks of use. But, instead of throwing them away to go to a landfill, try using reusable masks that can be washed in the washing machine and then either air-dried or dried in the dryer. Some of my favorite masks come from Old Navy, Target and Kitsch. You can even look up ways to make your own masks!

-Plant a tree! As we all know, trees provide oxygen as well as food to our Earth. Trees also help us save energy, clean our polluted air and help combat climate change. 

The biggest thing that you can do is spread the word and educate yourself as well as your peers on these topics. Our mother Earth needs our help and we need to do better in order for us to be successful in the future. And remember, go green because there is no planet B!

Happy Earth Day!

Emma

p.s. here are some of my favorite pictures I have taken of our lovely Earth!

Gallery • 10 Photos