33 Simple Yet Powerful Ways to Celebrate Earth Day and Go Green!

Earth Day is this Wednesday, April 22! Though it’s beneficial to be environmentally conscious year-round, Earth Day serves as an annual reminder of new ways we can improve the way interact with the environment around us.

Imagine a body nourished from within, like a flourishing garden. Environmentally friendly habits are the sunshine and rain for this internal landscape. Reduced exposure to pollutants — achieved through cycling instead of driving, consuming organic food and using eco-friendly cleaning products — translates to clearer lungs, a healthier gut microbiome and a boosted immune system. By treading lightly on the earth, we create a healthier, more resilient sanctuary within ourselves.

These examples represent only a fraction, yet there are countless methods available to build a positive influence. To begin with, let's explore some fascinating information regarding Earth Day.

7 Fun Facts About Earth Day

1. Founded by former U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson
2. First celebrated in 1970, in the United States
3. Led to the creation of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, & Endangered Species Act
4. Approximately 20 million participants in the first Earth Day
5. Recognized throughout the world by 1990
6. Officially renamed by the United Nations (UN) as “International Mother Earth Day” in 2009
7. Original date (April 22) chosen by Nelson to maximize participation on college campuses — He determined the week of April 19 – 25 ideal since it did not fall during exams or spring breaks.

33 Ways to Be More Environmentally Conscious

1. Upgrade office equipment to energy saving models.
2. Turn off computers and other electronics at the end of the day (or when you’re not using them).
3. Ensure all lights are turned off at the end of the day.
4. Try to use natural light during the day to cut back on electricity use.
5. Use energy efficient light bulbs.
6. Make sure air vents are cleaned regularly to prevent buildup.
7. Invest in indoor greenery to helps clean the air.
8. Walk or ride a bicycle for nearby errands.
9. Borrow books from the library.
10. Recycle all cans, bottles, papers and other acceptable items.
11. Use composted leftovers to fertilize a garden.
12. Conserve water by re-wearing clothes and doing fewer, larger loads of laundry.
13. Wash dishes by hand or wait for a full load before running the dishwasher.
14. Install light sensors or light timers to automatically turn off lights at home or in the office.
15. Swap plastic bags for canvas or re-usable bags at the grocery store.
16. Save any plastic bags for other uses at home (ex: as trash can liners in bathrooms).
17. Save uneaten food at dinner and make leftovers the next day.
18. Switch to online billing to cut down on paper mail.
19. Invest in landscaping that doesn’t require a ton of irrigation or water.
20. Consider using a rain barrel to help water the lawn and/or garden.
21. When baking, look through the oven window instead of opening the door (which causes energy/heat to escape).
22. Parent to a small child? Choose more environmentally friendly diapers to cut down on landfill waste.
23. Athlete? Hang sweaty clothes to air dry while waiting to do a full load of laundry. Throwing sweaty clothes in the wash and letting them sit will cause the sweat to sink in. If air dried first, it prevents washing twice!
24. Wash clothes in warm or cold water.
25. Use fewer paper towel and napkins. Alternatively, use select-a-size paper towel instead.
26. Get creative with gift wrapping. Save old gift bags, bows and paper. Flip a grocery bag inside out. Use newspaper!
27. Swap bottled water for tap water and carry around a reusable bottle.
28. Take shorter showers and fewer baths. Baths use twice as much water as showers!
29. Plan errands efficiently. Try to group errands according to location to conserve gasoline.
30. Invest in a travel mug. Most coffee shops accept (and even offer a discount) to patrons who use their own coffee mug.
31. Use a programmable thermostat or set the thermostat a couple of degrees higher in the summer (ex: 78 degrees) and a couple of degrees cooler in the winter (65 degrees) to keep energy costs down.
32. Pro car washes are much more energy-efficient. Take cars to the car wash.
33. Give back to the local community: Volunteer! Tons of volunteer opportunities are available right in the Triangle!