With today marking 50 years of Earth Day, it’s time to appreciate everything our beautiful planet does for us (today and every day!). It’s also a great reminder to make sure we’re doing everything we can to care for and protect our home. When it comes to making Earth sustainable, a little can go a long way. Also, make an effort to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature today, or stay indoors and explore a new location with a Global Workout!
Here are our top five suggestions you can do to make every day Earth Day.
1. Change your consumption habits.
Did you know that you can save up to eight gallons of water a day just by turning the water off while you brush your teeth, and that the average U.S. household spends more than $100 each year powering devices that are turned off? Conserving water, unplugging appliances that aren’t in use, and turning off the lights when you leave a room are all simple ways you can decrease the consumption of precious resources.
2. Eat sustainable foods.
Eating sustainable food is another small way you can help the planet every day. Food that’s locally produced and in season is typically more sustainable. That’s because it doesn’t require as much temperature control during transit and doesn’t have to travel as far, which saves on fuel. You can usually find locally produced food at your farmers’ market or smaller grocery store chains. When a fruit or vegetable isn’t in season, opting for the frozen or canned versions that were produced more locally may be a more sustainable choice (depending on where it was grown) than buying the fresh option grown far away.
Additionally, you can go meat-free a few days a week. It’s estimated that one pound of protein from kidney beans requires 18 times less land, 10 times less water, 9 times less fuel, 12 times less fertilizer, and 10 times less pesticide than producing one pound of beef. Learn more in our Meatless Monday blog post!
3. Give composting a try.
Americans generate over 267 million tons of trash each year, with much of that ending up in landfills. Composting is a great way to cut down on that amount, while producing a natural fertilizer for your plants and flowers. To start composting, collect your food waste and produce that’s gone bad in a tote outside or in your garage.
4. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Many people already recycle at home, but you could start a recycling program at your work or local school. If you do, be sure to include paper, glass, metal, and plastic! Ways to reduce and reuse include drinking from reusable bottles, bringing your own bags to the grocery store, and buying clothes at thrift stores or sites like Thredup.
5. Walk and bike when possible.
We all know that greenhouse gas emissions are hurting the planet. Walking and biking is a great way to combat that while getting in some great cardio, and you can train for longer walking and biking distances with iFit workouts!
When you do have to drive, try to combine errands into one trip or carpool (when social distancing isn’t in order). The EPA reports that by staying off the road two days a week, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year, which will help create a smaller carbon footprint and a healthier place for all of us to live!
Whether you reside in the city or the countryside, get outside, enjoy the beauty, and think of things you can do to support a better home for future generations!
