5 Things You Can Do at Home for Earth Day
Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!
Earth Day began as a unified response to the global environmental crisis in 1970, and is now recognized as the planet's largest civic event. People around the world do their part to participate in activities towards a future with a reduced carbon footprint.
While most of us are in our homes for the majority of the day, we bring you some activities and other resources to help you participate in Earth Day 2020 right from the comfort of your home and focus on change for a brighter future.
Live Streaming Events
Video consumption has been more than usual around the world as we spend more time indoors amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Live streaming is on the rise, as many industries navigate change and use this platform to reach their audiences.
Earth Day is no different. Tune in to a live stream today to participate in the global action. NASA have been uploading Earth Day related content to their YouTube channel, while today NASA Science Live presents an Earth Day special.
If music is more of your thing, you can catch Earth Day 50 all day spreading the knowledge, calls to action, as well as hosting live music performances from the likes of Ziggy Marley, Al Gore, Dave Mathews, and Jack Johnson.
Spring Cleaning Day
As the weather warms up into spring, today could be a good day to get started with some spring cleaning. Try to use environmentally friendly cleaning products as they are designed to decrease water pollution, ozone depletion, air pollution, and global climate change in comparison to non eco-friendly products.
The Eco Hub recommends five Canadian eco-friendly cleaning products that can get you started. If you want to get the children involved in the Earth Day cleaning, then you can make tasks a contest and reward them with Earth Day related prizes.
Eat Local, Vegetarian and Organic
Local businesses who are still operating in some capacity can use your support in the community now more than ever. Participate in Earth Day's 50th anniversary with a local, vegetarian, or organic meal.
Organic farming produces products without the use of chemicals. These practices cycle resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. You can look into local delivery options for organic food delivery.
Did you know livestock farming is responsible for 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 63 per cent of deforestation in the Amazon? Try to discover new proteins and plant-based products.
Save Energy
Take an easy step towards reducing energy consumption with energy-efficient lightbulbs. This week could be a good starting point to replacing your traditional incandescent lightbulbs. Making the switch can save 70-90 per cent in energy consumption and last 3-25 times longer. Look out for Energy Star labeled products that are "independently certified to save energy, money, and protect the climate".
Reducing your thermostat temperature can also reduce your carbon footprint. The best thermostat temperature for people is said to be between 18-20 degrees Celsius, also known as room temperature. This is related to internal temperature regulation and how your body's internal temperature shifts during a 24-hour period. Known as a circadian rhythm.
Waste and Recycling
Aside from your usual recycling of cardboard, glass, plastic, and the like, you can find other ways to recycle too and reduce energy consumption in the long run.
You could get recycling from the pantry to make your own cleaning products from some basic ingredients like rubbing alcohol, vinegar, olive oil, lemon, and distilled water. HGTV have you covered in step-by-step instructions to eco-friendly cleaning.
Starbucks, Disney, and Hyatt, amongst others, pledged to stop using plastic straws and A&W have moved to paper straws in all its restaurants in Canada. Reduced your usage of single-use plastics like straws, cups, and carrier bags and start towards a zero-waste approach. Today you could create your own reusable bags from recycled materials like canvas, denim, or nylon. Get creative by printing a unique Earth Day-themed design on your bag.
Get in on the action during Earth Day 2020, as we all participate in small ways for a cleaner environment and brighter future for us all.
- NASA Science Live: Earth Day Special
- Five Recommended Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
- Canadian Organic Growers: What is Organic?
- How to Notice an Energy Star Product