Earth Day 2018 is just around the corner, and if you’ve got no idea what I’m talking about, keep reading.
Every year, on April 22nd, we celebrate the World’s Largest Environmental Movement. The goal is to raise awareness so that we can turn our knowledge into practical actions that will benefit our planet and those living on it. But before we talk about this year’s theme, let’s go back in time and find out how it all started.
Back to the beginning
About 48 years, on April 22nd, many people took to the streets to protest against the negative impacts of industrial development. According to the network, “smog was becoming deadly in the US and worldwide, and evidence was growing that pollution led to development delays in children. In addition, biodiversity declined due to the heavy use of pesticides and other pollutants.” In other words, the long years of industrial development and pollution have proven to be toxic and harmful to both the planet and people’s lives. The protests and awareness led to some changes. The Environmental Protection Agency was created the same year, and new environmental laws were put into place.
Today, Earth Day is a global event celebrated by over 1 billion people in 192 countries. The day has become a way for people to get involved in political action and civic participation, raise their voices and speak out.
What can I do for Earth Day?
This year’s focus on April 22nd is to raise awareness around plastic consumption. If you think about it, everything we consume is packaged in plastic. And the biggest problem is that plastic never breaks down – it will never biodegrade. Instead, it makes its way into our oceans, becoming food for animals. Plastic doesn’t only harm the environment or the seas; it also contains toxins and chemicals that put our health at serious risk.
You may be thinking that everything is in plastic. But what if I told you there are 3 simple steps you can take to significantly reduce your plastic footprint? Are you ready?
3 Simple steps to reduce your plastic
- Say NO to disposables: this is a lot easier than it sounds. All you have to do is think about your daily consumption to invest in the right reusable items to keep with you. Start with a reusable water bottle and coffee mug to get you through your days. Get a stainless steel or glass container to take lunches to work. Skip straws – or buy reusable ones. Don’t use plastic cutlery (they suck anyway). Don’t forget a reusable tote bag while you’re at it!
- Buy in bulk: one of the best ways of reducing food packaging is by checking out bulk food sections. You can take your own containers or cotton bags and fill them up. You often pay less because you’re not paying for packaging and branding.
- Keep it simple: rethink your personal care items and start to think about making your own deodorant and toothpaste. When it comes to moisturizing, why not buy organic coconut oil? Choose natural bar soaps instead of packaged ones that are filled with chemicals.
There you have it: a few simple ways to help you reduce your plastic consumption. There’s a lot to do when it comes to environmental sustainability. You’ll find more ideas for creating a sustainable life on our blog, including this article about creating a sustainable home. The good news is that we can all rely on our individual powers to make positive changes. Our small and personal choices can go a long way. Equally, we have to believe in the power of our communities and the collective as we try to fight for a better, healthier and greener world for all.
Happy Earth Day, Everyone!
