Over a billion people around the world will celebrate the 44th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2014. Earth Day began in 1970, when a 20 million people movement across the United States pushed for increased protection of the environment.
Check out the list below of eleven simple green tips for Earth Day and everyday:
- Do full loads of laundry and set the rinse cycle to “cold.”
- Recycle. If you’re not at home, take the extra steps to find that recycling can (they’re everywhere)!
- Limit the length of your showers. Even better, take a “navy shower,” shutting off the water while soaping up and shampooing.
- Lower your thermostat. If possible purchase a programmable thermostat.
- Turn off lights and electronics when you leave the room. Unplug cell phone charger from the wall when not in use. Turn off energy strips and surge protectors when not in use (especially while asleep).
- Recycle your newspapers and magazines.
- Consider organic cleaning products like vinegar, borax, and baking soda ( Remember: That’s how it was done back in the day).
- Go paperless. Old habits can be hard to break, but make an effort to read your newspapers and magazines online.
- Don’t run the water when brushing your teeth.
- Turn your car off if you’re going to be idle for more than one minute.
- Plant more trees instead of cutting them down. Tree’s are important to the environment because they adsorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They also clean the soil by absorbing dangerous chemicals and they also control noise pollution.
For more tips check out the United States Environmental Protection Agency.