5 Easy Choices to Help the Planet
Did you know Earth Day isn’t just April 22nd?
At least it shouldn’t be! Here at gvxo sustainability is so important and not just in fashion.
A little about Earth Day - Senator Gaylor Nelson, a junior senator in Wisconsin, began to shed light on major environmental issues happening in the 1960s and wanted a way to force a national agenda. Earth Day was then first initiated in 1970 on April 22nd to show support for environmental protection and went global in the 90s. Ever since then April 22nd has become very well known and there are changes that have been implemented because of it. However, changes shouldn’t just have to be on April 22nd!
We know it’s hard to completely make a 180, but you could start off small! Here are 5 changes/choices you can make today in your everyday life that are beneficial to our environment!
1) BYOB - bring your own bottle or bag
Carry around a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing a plastic water bottle when you’re out and about. This is so easy! It was one of the first things I implemented in my life, I bought a water filter at home and I fill up my good ol water bottle before I head out for the day. (btw it’s nice when you know where the water is coming from too) Also bring your own shopping bags, considering here in Chicago you have to pay for them. I make sure I keep a few bags in my car just in case. I know you see them flying around all over the city…
2) Conserve Energy
If you aren’t in the room make sure to turn off those lights, as well as any electronics plugged into an outlet that you aren’t using. This helps reduce energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Not only does it help the planet but it’ll also help your wallet!
3) Reduce Paper Waste
Anytime anything gives you the option to go digital, I say do it! Saving paper helps reduce water, conserve energy, saves money, and helps preserve adult trees.
4) Buy Local
When you buy local you help with reducing shipping distances, carbon footprint, and you’re supporting local businesses and communities. Local businesses are also well informed with the products they're selling so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.
5) Plant a Tree
Trees are super important for the planet and for us! For starters they give off oxygen which we need to breathe. They help with preventing flooding by protecting soil from erosion and slowing down large floods. There’s so many wildlife species that rely on trees for food, home, and protection.
Something I need to share because I just discovered this amazing app! It’s called Treecard; free to download and all you have to do is nothing really…you create a login and allow it to to track your steps, and for every 10,000 steps you take it plants a tree! You collect points along the way and there are so many different rewards you could use with those points. I feel like everyone should have this app! I have a full time office job so I take less steps and this is an easy way to encourage me to walk more and help the planet by doing so!
Which one are you starting off with or have already implemented?