Every April 22 we celebrate Earth Day, a time to reflect on our impact on the planet and take action to protect it. While big sustainability initiatives are important, small, everyday choices are often more sustainable and can add up to make a huge difference! At ecomaine, we believe that celebrating Earth Day doesn’t have to be once a year and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to honor the day, everyday:
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – In That Order!
We all know the three R’s, but did you know they’re listed in order of importance from the Maine Waste Hierarchy? Reducing what we consume has the biggest impact, followed by reusing items, and finally, recycling properly. This Earth Day, take a few moments to:
- Avoid single-use plastics – Bring your own bags, water bottles, and coffee cups.
- Find creative reuses – Turn an old T-shirt into a reusable bag or donate items instead of tossing them.
- Check your recycling bin – Brush up on what can and can’t be recycled with ecomaine’s Recyclopedia tool!
2. Give Back to Your Community
Earth Day is a great excuse to get outside and make a difference in your community! A few ideas:
- Join (or organize!) a cleanup – Whether it’s your neighborhood, a local park, or the beach, every piece of litter collected helps. Check your local parks and rec website for any Earth Day specific clean ups!
- Plant something green – Trees, flowers, and gardens not only beautify your space but also help absorb carbon dioxide.
- Choose a greener commute – Walk, bike, carpool, or take public transit instead of driving solo.
3. Cut Down on Food Waste
Did you know that food waste makes up about 30-40% of household trash? This Earth Day, commit to wasting less by:
- Meal planning – Shop with a list and use up what you have before buying more.
- Storing food properly – Keep fruits and veggies fresh longer by learning the best ways to store them.
- Composting – If you have leftover scraps, compost them instead of sending them to a landfill!
4. Educate & Advocate
Knowledge is power, and sharing it can inspire change.
- Learn something new – Watch a documentary, read an article, or listen to a podcast about sustainability. Check out the resources on our website too!
- Spread the word – Share your eco-friendly actions to encourage friends and family to join in.
- Support environmental policies – Vote for leaders and initiatives that prioritize sustainability.
5. Keep it Up!
Earth Day shouldn’t be just one day a year! Challenge yourself to keep up these habits beyond and before April 22. Whether it’s setting a goal to reduce waste, making sustainable swaps, or supporting green businesses, small actions add up when we all do our part.
How will you celebrate Earth Day this year? Let’s work together to keep Maine clean and green.
