14 Ways We're Looking After Mother Earth Every Day
There are a ton of easy, effective, and sometimes fun ways to make small changes that add up.
Sometimes it's easy to get bogged down by the idea that nothing we do for the environment really helps in the grand scheme. But that's not actually the case. From our homes and yards to our neighborhoods and markets, here's our list of everyday action items that show our celebration of Earth Day all year long.
- Pick up trash while you're out and about through your neighborhood, out hiking, or beach-combing.
- Pick up after your pup. When out adventuring with your dog, it can be tempting to think about animal waste as natural or biodegradable. But poo clogs neighborhood pathways for families, runners, and passersby, and contaminates nearby waterways too. Here's a solid resource for further environmentally-friendly how-to.
- Think secondhand when you're ready to purchase. From apparel and gear to furniture and automobiles, extending the life of a product goes a long way for the environment.
- Start a compost! This is as easy as tossing food waste and compostable material into a small pale on your kitchen counter or in your pantry. No garden? No problem. Compost breaks down with a little tilling in an out-of-the-way dirt pile in the yard. Or you can use a curbside compost bin or donate to a community garden. Here's a detailed how-to we like.
- Stock up on reef-friendly sunscreen to be kind to your skin and the ocean.
- Explore meatless Mondays and beyond!
- Support local farms and businesses owned and run by communities that deserve greater representation.
- Think about pollinator-friendly landscaping. Whether you're adding a pot of flowers to your front porch or landscaping your entire yard, make it a safe-haven for honey bees.
- Reuse packaging, jars, and containers for future food transport, storage and even gift wrap.
- Reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk. You'll want to search the web about laws and regulations near you for bringing your own containers to your grocery market -- some states and store chains don't allow shoppers to bring their own containers. Here's a good resource for purchasing in bulk and recording the tare weight of your own container.
- Invite your friends and family to join you in engaging in more conscious and careful consumption.
- Ride a bike, walk, or skate whenever you can - around town, to the grocery store, and beyond -- to reduce your carbon footprint!
- Volunteer at your local neighborhood garden for some Vitamin D and lend a helping hand. Distribute the food that is grown to your community!
- Line dry your laundry. It preserves the lifespan of clothing and can greatly reduce your household carbon footprint.
Cover photo: Christin Healey
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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