8 Useful Tips to Make Each Day an Earth Day

Earth Day happens once every year but why wait for a year when you can do it every day?

Earth Day is an annual event which originated in the 1970s that is dedicated to spreading awareness about the environment and encouraging people to actually do something about it.

This is especially important because our population continues to grow yet the planet continues to face more problems today than the past centuries — climate change, several kinds of pollution, natural disasters, and even the increased numbers of endangered species.

You can make each day an Earth Day even in small, easy ways. In fact, you may have been doing some of it already. But if you want to help protect and save our environment further, we have compiled a list below.

Drive less

We all know how bad the traffic is in our country, especially in Metro Manila. If you can, choose to drive less. There are more options now to get to wherever you need to be — commute, carpool, P2P buses, or why not walk if your destination is not that far? Apart from it doesn’t contribute to traffic and air pollution, it’s also healthy for your mind and body.

Choose organic and local produce

By choosing to buy organic food and products instead of the usual, you’re contributing to a positive approach toward agriculture but without the harmful pesticides and chemicals. Plus, you are also supporting farmers, especially if you buy from local and smaller manufacturers and suppliers.

Stop using aerosols

Aerosols are bad for the environment as it adds to our carbon footprint. While modern-day aerosols are now free of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), it still contributes to ground-level ozone levels, which is a key component of asthma-inducing smog. Opt for organic products instead.

Go green

Nowadays, more and more people switch to a greener lifestyle. One way to do so is to lessen, if not avoid, the use of animal products, especially in diet and commodities. By embracing vegan living, you help reduce the exploitation of and cruelty to animals. If going full-on vegan especially on your diet is difficult for you, you can cut your meat consumption and look for alternatives instead. This also helps reduce food-related emissions by up to 70%.

Say no to plastic

Plastic pollution has become a problem not only in the Philippines but worldwide. As our population continues to increase, so is our accumulation of plastic objects such as plastic bottles, plastic bags and many more which affects every living thing.

But let’s be realistic here. It’s somewhat difficult to avoid the use of plastic altogether. Therefore, let’s start by minimizing the use of single-use plastic. Look for ways to replace the use of plastics in your lifestyle: use reusable or ecobags when shopping, bring a tumbler with you so that you can avoid plastic bottles (plus it’s cheaper too), use reusable containers for your baon, and many other more.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Most of us know the 3Rs already as this was taught in as early as primary education. The concept is simple, really: you repeat the use of items or parts which still have usable aspects; you reduce the amount of waste generated, and; recycle or turn items or materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash into new products.

Another way to do so is to donate old but usable stuff to the less fortunate or those who are recovering from calamities.

Become a plant parent

Apart from planting a tree, starting a garden—big or small, can make a difference in our environment. Air pollution is rampant especially in major cities, so having more plants in the area help turn carbon dioxide into oxygen which in turn give us better and cleaner air.

If you live in the city, don’t worry, there are two ways to become one. First, go small by getting one or two house plants first. If this is your first time or if you think you don’t have a green thumb, start with low-maintenance indoor plants such as succulents or a rubber plant. Second, if you have the space, do not be afraid to go big and start a garden. For those who live in the city, you can start a pocket garden.

You can also turn your food waste into usable soil by composting. Not only did you reduce your waste, but you can also make your plants healthier.

Conserve water and energy

Turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth can save about four gallons a minute. Instead of showers and water hose, use tabo and a bucket. You save water, plus you can also reuse this to water your plants.

The earth is not getting any younger, and we, as inhabitants should be more proactive in helping preserve, save, and protect the planet that we live in. We need to do this so that the future generations have a better chance to a cleaner, healthier and safer environment.

Sources: Elearning Infographics, Care 2, Environment Japan