20 Ways to Show the Earth Some Love

By , Melissa Rudy, Health & Fitness Journalist
What have you done for the planet lately? It's done some pretty amazing things for us, such as providing us with a place to live and sustenance to keep us alive. If you've been more of a taker than a giver, Earth Day is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf and give the planet some props.
 
Since 1970, every April 22nd has been designated as a day to raise awareness of environmental issues and take action toward preserving and protecting our natural surroundings—but why not use the day as a springboard to year-round, eco-friendly efforts? There are plenty of things you can do to show the Earth some love, both on and beyond Earth Day.
 
1. Observe Meatless Mondays. Try going vegetarian for one day, or one meal, each week. Not only will meatless meals benefit your health, they'll also give the planet a break. According to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, meat production contributes to many environmental problems, including air pollution, water pollution, water shortage, climate change and land degradation. The report also estimates that livestock generates 18 percent of greenhouse gases.
 
2. Give your car the day off. If you live close enough to the office, consider biking, blading or walking to work—your health will benefit along with the planet. Or, you could take public transportation, carpool with colleagues or drive part of the way to work and walk the rest.
 
3. Harness the sun's energy. If you own a home and can afford it, consider adding solar panels to your roof to generate cheap, clean energy with far less carbon emissions. Plus, according to Swanson's law, every time the purchase and production of solar panels doubles, the price will decrease by 20 percent. Another option is to paint your roof white, which reflects up to 90 percent of sunlight to keep buildings cool and cut down on energy consumption.
 
4. Write down any foods that go to waste. Over time, all of that moldy bread, expired milk and rotten fruit will form a pattern that can help you shop smarter (and more sustainably).
 
5. Go green in the yard. Water your lawn and garden first thing in the morning while the grass still retains some of last night's moisture. Hang bird feeders to attract feathered friends that feast on plant-destroying bugs. Consider reducing grass and mulch space by incorporating walkways, boulders and maintenance-free plants that don't require frequent watering.
 
6. Get rid of e-waste. Do you have an old computer, monitor or printer collecting dust in the basement? Consider donating or recycling it. According to the EPA, recycling one million laptops will conserve enough energy to power 3,500 U.S. homes in a year, and every million recycled cell phones will produce 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver and 75 pounds of gold.
 
7. Join a CSA. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is sort of like subscribing to a farm: You can sign up for a share of the harvest, and then receive farm-fresh food and ingredients. It's a convenient way to promote sustainable farming practices while also adopting healthier eating habits.
 
8. Cultivate a green thumb. Grow your own garden—or, if that’s too overwhelming, consider joining a gardening community, where groups of people work together to cultivate, maintain and beautify plots. Check here to find a community garden in your area.
 
9. Keep perishables front and center. How many times have you forgotten you had a certain food, only to stumble upon it well past its shelf life? Keep fruit, veggies, bread and other perishables in a highly visible place so you remember to incorporate them in meals before it's too late.
 
10. Wash cold, and hang to dry. According to Duke University, if Americans washed clothes in cold water and hung them to dry half of the time, it would have the same environmental impact as taking 12 percent of cars off the road or removing 23 coal plants, and would reduce laundry-related water usage by 60 percent.
 
11. Host a clothes or book swap. Instead of continually buying new paper books and clothes, why not swap with friends and family? You'll score some new-to-you goods and unload stuff you're no longer using, all while saving money and reducing environmental impact.
 
12. Consider composting. Composting is the process of recycling organic material—such as food and yard waste—into a nutrient-rich soil. Not only does this cut down on the amount of trash you send to landfills, but it also promotes healthier plant growth.
 
13. Practice eco-friendly feng shui. That vintage bookcase may look great in your bedroom, but if it's blocking a vent, it could be hindering your home's heating or cooling efficiency. Do a vent audit to see if any furniture or window treatments are obstructing the airflow, and make rearrangements as necessary.
 
14. Turn off water when it's not in use. Anytime you're not in direct contact with water—while brushing your teeth, washing the car, washing your hands or scrubbing the floor, for example—turn off the faucets to cut down on waste. Better yet, use a rain barrel (or a bucket in the shower) to collect water for your garden.
 
15. Share something. Bettering the Earth doesn't have to mean planting trees or growing your own food. Sharing resources is becoming one of the most buzzworthy ways to reduce environmental impact. Look for opportunities to spread usage across multiple people, whether it's a car, bicycle, rental home or household items.     
 
16. Turn trash into treasures. Look for creative ways to incorporate paper waste into art projects. Cardboard boxes, egg containers, cereal boxes, empty drink bottles and gift bags can all be repurposed into crafting materials. Encourage kids to paint, stack and transform them into imaginative sculptures.
 
17. Get outside. We can't think of a better time than Earth Day to go for a hike, pack a picnic, play at the park or just enjoy nature. After all, there's no better way to spark awareness of eco-friendly living than reminding yourself of its beauty and energy.
 
18. '86 the K-Cups. They might be convenient, but the cost is more waste to clog our landfills. While you’re at it, stop using stirrers: Every year, Americans throw away a staggering 138 billion coffee straws and stirrers. If you like sugar and cream, add it to the cup first and then pour the coffee, so it will mix together without stirring.
 
19. Use pre-owned items. Whether you’re in the market for a car, coffee maker or couch, there’s almost always a used version that fits the bill. Scope out garage sales (real or virtual) for gently used items. If you’re a DIY-er, you can refinish, reupholster or otherwise transform an old item into a unique work of art. Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops for gently used clothing that will go easy on both your pocketbook and the planet.
 
20. Plant a tree. It may seem like a cliché, but it's still the single most effective thing you can do to commemorate Earth Day. Trees promote cleaner air, provide oxygen, conserve water and energy and provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
 
What are some of your ideas for observing Earth Day? Share them in the comments!