Today is the 44th celebration of Earth Day. Did you know that Earth Day started as a grassroots plea for a more sustainable way of life? The efforts of the first Earth Day in 1970 helped bring about landmark environmental policies like the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and Endangered Species. Forty-four years later and the world still struggles to find a balance between development and protecting natural resources. Today we have new worries like climate change and sea level rise, but also continue to work towards cleaner waterways, cleaner air and healthier wildlife populations. Hampton Roads is incredibly blessed with natural resources: miles of beautiful waterways, sandy beaches, clean and plentiful drinking water, an abundance of community parks and much, much more! In celebration of Earth Day, commit to one small change in your daily routine to reduce your impact on future generations.
Cleanup:
- Volunteer for the Great American Cleanup
- Scoop the poop when you walk your pet
- Pick up litter wherever you see it
Reduce:
- Conserve water by using rain barrels for outdoor watering
- Car pool to work or school to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Turn off lights and appliances when they are not in use
Reuse:
- Swap disposable beverage containers for refillable water bottles and travel cups
- Donate unwanted items to local charities
- Use reusable shopping bags when you go shopping
Recycle:
- Know what items are recyclable in your curbside bin
- Buy products made from recycled materials
- Find out how to recycle special items not accepted in curbside recycling
Green-up:
- Replace grass with plants and trees
- Only apply natural fertilizers like grass clippings or compost to your lawn
- Mulch your beds for a finished appearance that helps conserve water