What Is Earth Day, and Why Is It Important?
Earth Day began as one of the biggest protest movements on this earth on April 22 1970. Organized and launched by Senator Nelson of the United States, millions protested on the streets about the damage to the planet and its resources. A full-page ad in The New York Times announced Earth Day as the day that "…we start to reclaim the environment we wrecked." Earth Day continues to this day, drawing attention to the environment, encouraging environmental literacy, and promoting conservation and sustainability.
Today, Earth Day is the celebration of sustainable living and environmental protection held annually on April 22. It is important because it raises awareness of the need to protect the Earth and calls for action to repair the damage done to the earth, air, and water.
Earth is an amazing place and the only one we have, at least until another planet becomes habitable in the future. It needs our help to flourish and survive. It needs our help to fight climate change. So, how to make Earth Day every day?
Celebrate Earth Day every day by introducing 'green' sustainable living practices into your daily life by buying eco-friendly products online at Beco. You can start without any drastic changes in your life. Taking a step to correct environmental damage is not as complicated as it sounds. It may be as simple as turning off the lights when you leave a room, planting a sapling, participating in community cleanups, or teaching your child how to conserve electricity and water.
Simple changes in our daily habits such as reducing waste, reducing shopping, reusing books or furniture, recycling clothes, and using food containers can make a big difference. Such sustainable living habits will help in setting the earth right and preserving its natural resources for future generations. So, let's have a meaningful Earth Day and do our part to ensure a sustainable future.
Cut the Carbon in 10 Simple Ways!
Here are 10 simple ways to reduce your ecological footprint to commemorate and celebrate Earth Day every day.
- Reduce electricity waste
This is one of the simplest yet most important steps to cut your carbon footprint and support sustainable living. Turn off lights, fans, and gadgets when not needed or when you leave the room.
- Switch to renewable energy
Switch to renewable power forms such as solar energy or wind energy. That will be one of your most meaningful contributions to fighting the climate crisis.
- Segregate waste and send plastic for recycling
We generate a lot of waste daily — food, paper, and plastic. Segregate to ensure proper disposal of waste with less ecological damage. Recycle to keep non-biodegradable stuff away from landfills.
- Reduce food waste
Tonnes of food is wasted every day. Reducing food waste will reduce carbon dioxide and methane gases at landfills, and be a proper step towards conscious sustainable living.
- Compost the uneatable
Composting organic but unedible stuff produces natural fertilizers, and again reduces the gas buildup at waste disposal sites.
- Reduce usage of cars and bikes
Vehicle emissions leave gigantic carbon footprints. Use public transportation like trains, metros, buses, carpooling, or biking, or try skating. Or—simply walk!
- Reduce water wastage
Water is a precious resource, the scarcity of which will create wars in the future. Celebrate Earth Day every day with the basic step of fixing all leaks at home and reducing water wastage. Take short showers.
- Reduce the use of plastics
Plastic is in every part of our lives. Sustainable living without plastic can start with baby steps. Shop with cloth shopping bags, don't buy bottled water, and buy food from a local grocer to avoid the plastic packaging in supermarkets.
- Use eco-friendly products
Buy eco-friendly products made with sustainable materials to minimize environmental harm as the usage of harmful chemicals is reduced.
- Support sustainable practices and companies
Lastly, buy local and support companies that practice sustainable living and practices. Read carefully about them and check the authenticity of the products.
Start with one of these steps, or create one of your own, such as cooking your meals instead of takeout, or planting a vegetable garden. To borrow an iconic line spoken at a moment that defined history, "One small step for man, a giant leap for mankind."
How to Green Your Home
Adopting eco-conscious, sustainable living protects the planet. Make small changes in your habits and reduce your environmental impact. Here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day every day by making your home a greener place:
Use energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs: Buy appliances by checking the energy efficiency rating to use less energy whenever it is used. Look for appliances with the Energy Star label. Change traditional lights to LED bulbs.
Insulate your home: Keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer with doubly glazed window glass and thick curtains. This helps reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
Plant a vegetable garden: It adds oxygen to the air and reduces carbon dioxide. You get fresh organic vegetables that are home and food for insects and birds.
Use natural light: Open your curtains and blinds during the day to let natural light in. This reduces the need for the usage of appliances and saves energy and money.
The Message of Earth Day - Be Mindful Every Day
Earth Day is a celebration; it is a protest. It is a signal that there are a growing number of people who are very conscious of what kind of a planet they want to leave for other generations.
Being conscious of what we eat and from where we buy is good for the health and well-being of the planet and the people who live on it. Adopting sustainable living practices makes economic sense. Using energy-efficient appliances, reducing water usage, and composting save money on utility bills.
You can celebrate Earth Day every day with simple changes. It's never too late to start to have a greener lifestyle.
Give yourself and Earth a chance!
Looking to take the first step toward sustainable living? Beco has a range of eco-friendly alternatives that will help you take the first step. You can join the movement towards a sustainable future by replacing non-biodegradable products with Beco's biodegradable options.