Author:
Derek Wang
Short summary:
Start adopting these sustainable habits and play your part in building a better future! The Earth is a home we all have in common. It has protected us and our ancestors, and now it is up to us to protect it.
APRIL 22nd is the annual earth day!
Established by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, the event is celebrated by more than 1 billion people in 190 countries and regions today.
For 2021’s Earth Day, Green Steps prepared a list with 10 simple sustainable habits we can introduce to our routine. Let’s all contribute to protecting our shared home! Get inspired and share your sustainable moment with us using the hashtag #EarthDayEveryday
Green transportation
Transportation is one of the world’s largest sources of pollution. Walk, bike, or take public transportation instead of driving. By doing so, you can help reduce air pollution and alleviate emissions that are contributing to global warming. Moreover, walking and biking are chances for you to explore nature.
Go Non-toxic at Home
EPA statistics show that indoor air can cause ten times more pollution than outdoor air, due to the toxic chemicals often found in conventional cleaners and other products. That is why you should choose eco-friendly, less toxic cleaning products, detergents, candles, body care and so on for your home to keep your indoor air clean and make your home healthier for yourself and your loved ones.
Choose Organic Food
Organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides. Lately, agricultural scientists have also developed a farming process using regenerative farming methods. Regenerative agriculture heals the soil so it can better act as a carbon sink. Choosing organic food is not only good for the environment and for you, but also promotes fair labour practices.
Go Veg
Our excessive demand for meat creates an excessive strain on environmental resources. The more we ask for, the more our planet suffers: you don’t have to suddenly change your diet completely, but introducing plant-based food to replace meat one or two days per week will already mean your carbon fooprint comes down.
Reuse and Recycle
Reusing products instead of buying new ones can help to save energy, prevent increasing emissions causing more global warming, and protect the planet’s precious resources. Choosing reusable products instead of disposable alternatives will decrease waste production and eliminate the burden on landfills. As consumers, our choices can have big impacts, thus directing corporate policies toward more sustainable solutions. And also, sorting our waste is a simple yet significant gesture to contribute to the common effort of optimizing our Planet’s resources.
Sustainable Fashion
Do you sometimes feel you have too many clothes? That is likely! Too often, old clothes end up in landfills or being sent to developing countries as waste, while textile production is the second most polluting industry in the world. It is not sustainable to over-buy, stop it, and maybe join a clothes-swapping event instead: many cities host those and it is a great way to share with your community. You may even find something you really like from someone else’s closet . If you can’t avoid purchasing a brand new item, why not choose a piece of clothing labeled green and sustainable that can be easily recycled?
Support Local Products
Supporting local producers in your weekly food purchases is an easy way to protect the environment. Buying fruit and vegetables from local retailers, linked directly to the producer, is doing good to the planet and your local community because it saves the cost and emissions from international transportation.
Avoid Plastic
From water bottles to toothbrushes, plastic is one of the most widely used materials on earth. However, plastic has caused serious pollution and environmental hazards. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce our plastic consumption. Bring your own bag when shopping, reduce deliveries and takeaways, and opt for paper-made bags and wrappings whenever you can.
Stop using single-use cups
Instead of a plastic coffee cup, you can use a metal or paperboard one: your coffee will taste better for it!And if you find yourself using plastic products, go back to point 5: practice correct waste sorting and proper recycling.
Share Your Voice
Whether at the dinner table or on social media, you can share your knowledge about environmental protection. You can help others understand this important information, and you can also inspire new ideas when communicating with others. Join like-minded friends and work together to protect the environment. Never underestimate the importance of the information you share with the world!
The Earth is a home we all have in common. It has protected us and our ancestors, and now it is up to us to protect it.
On this Earth Day, please start adopting these sustainable habits and play your part in building a better future!
Happy Earth Day!
