April 22 is the 50th Earth Day, and while the Coronavirus pandemic is keeping many of us at home, there are still plenty of ways to help our planet. Here are 10 ideas you can try this Earth Day—or any day.
Fix leaks.
Small leaks can result in gallons of water wasted each day. Take advantage of being home and look for any possible leaks. Caulk leaky windows.
Turn it off.
Turn off lights, electric appliances, and water when not in use. Try to turn off lights when you leave a room, turn off your television when not watching it, and turn off the water when brushing your teeth. Unplug electronic equipment that drains energy when not in use—including cell phone chargers, coffee makers, radios, and more.
Do a little spring cleaning.
Sort through your closets for paper to recycle and items that can be donated for reuse.
Clean naturally.
For cleaning that doesn’t require a disinfectant, household items such as vinegar or even vodka cut through grease and remove mildew and stains. Lemons can be used to clean nonporous surfaces.
Use cloth instead of paper.
Replace paper towels with cloth napkins and use cloth rags for cleaning instead of disposable disinfecting wipes.
Go with glass.
Cut down on single-use plastics by investing in a glass water bottle and glass food storage containers. They will last longer and food will stay fresher.
Plant a tree.
Trees provide shade and help absorb water that would otherwise run off into storm drains.
Line dry your laundry.
Warmer days are coming, so take advantage by hanging clothes out to dry instead of using the dryer.
Try composting.
To help reduce food waste, save your leftovers and food scraps in a composting bin. You can build your own in your backyard, or simply use a container on your countertop. Composting turns food scraps into usable soil—great plant food if you have a garden.
Go paperless.
Sign up for online statements with your financial institutions and online billings with your utilities and other bills. You’ll save on paper and the fuel it takes to deliver statements and bills by mail.