Earth Day is an annual reminder to think about the planet we live on and the ways that we can protect it. More than 1 billion people across the world mark Earth Day each year by showing support for the environment. In fact, it is described by its coordinating organization, the non-profit Earth Day Network, as “the largest secular holiday in the world” with Earth Day-related events held in 192 countries.
In addition to participating in an Earth Day event, each of us can take actions all year round to help protect the environment. Here is a list of just a few places around your home where you can help:
In the kitchen, microwave whenever you can and don’t wash dishes with the water running.
In the dining room, avoid disposable plates, cups and silverware and serve condiments from recyclable containers.
In the laundry, wash and dry only full loads using cold water and hang dry as much as possible.
In the bathroom, shut off the sink while brushing your teeth, install a low-flow shower head and reduce the volume of water in your toilet tank.
In the living room, switch off unnecessary lights, and raise shades on winter days and lower them in summer.
In the yard, compost leaves and grass clippings, use nontoxic alternatives to pesticides and water the grass early in the morning.
