Make every day Earth Day
Each year on April 22, Earth Day reminds us to consider our impact on the planet we call home. With events like trash clean ups and tree plantings, many of us volunteer to give our time and energy to make a difference.
But it doesn’t have to be just once a year. Bring that spirit of caring for the planet into everyday life with some ideas for actions that can make an impact. Some of these are ongoing and some are one-time investments with lasting benefits. The important thing is to find what works for you.
Make the switch to reusables: Changing to reusable grocery bags and water bottles is an easy way to cut out single-use plastics. But there are more options. Try bringing your own reusable flatware for lunch and your own containers for leftovers. Think about anything you use more than once: makeup wipes, napkins, your iced coffee cup. Investing in a reusable version of these items can help save money and the planet in the long run.
Ride your bike: If possible, why not try riding your bike to work one or two days per week (or every day, if you can)? You can get some exercise and fresh air while shrinking your carbon footprint. If work is too far away, perhaps replace another car trip with a bike ride – maybe the grocery store or local café.
Go electric: Are there gas appliances in your home that could be switched out for electric? While replacing a stove, for instance, is a significant change, the benefits to your indoor environment are also significant. And it’s a great way to make a one-time switch that will continue to benefit the planet for years to come. Learn more about how to go electric on our electric homes webpage.
Save water: Clean water is an important part of a healthy life, and in this area, it’s necessary to conserve where possible. There are lots of options for conservation both inside and outside the home. For instance, use a dishwasher if you have one and only run it when it’s full. Put your landscaping on a drip system. Put food waste in the compost instead of the garbage disposal. Visit valleywater.org for a more complete list of actions that will help save water every day.
Plant a butterfly garden: If you have a plot of land or even a balcony that gets some sun, try planting some flowers that will attract butterflies. This has the benefit of bringing beauty to your space as well as helping pollinators. Look for a list of plants to attract butterflies in your area at pollinator.org.
Pick one thing: The important thing when making an impact is to do what you can, and what you know you’ll keep up. If you’d like help figuring out what that is, read One Green Thing, a book by Heather White, and one of the featured reads in 2024’s Silicon Valley Reads. This will help you identify your “Service Superpower” and help you make Earth Day a part of your every day.
