Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Start living greener today
You can begin making a positive impact on the environment at any age
Earth Day serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to start putting green living into practice.
This coming Earth Day on Monday will mark 54 years since the first Earth Day took place. An estimated 20 million people attended inaugural events, from demonstrations to cleanups nationwide. And notably, President Richard Nixon and first lady Pat Nixon planted a tree on the South Lawn of the White House.
April 22 was established as the annual day to mark the modern environmental movement. It serves as a day of education, raising awareness and taking action on a range of environmental issues, including global warming, renewable energy, food waste, fast fashion, air pollution, plastic pollution, deforestation and many more.
Positive change
While these issues are expansive, the actions each of us takes independently, whether you’re 8 or 88, can collectively make positive change. Since it’s becoming ever more apparent that humanity is continuing to have an adverse effect on the planet, you might be wondering how you can help.
Attending an Earth Day event in your community can serve as a good way to get some fresh air while seeing the environmental issues being addressed on a local level.
The Earth Day event taking place on Saturday in Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County, will have activities for the whole family, including environmental demonstrations, food vendors and a chance to connect with nature.
“We have 20 vendors that will be there with opportunities to learn about recycling; Repair Cafe will be there to get your things fixed; there will be an opportunity to join a CSA; and PECO will be there so you can learn how to be more energy efficient,” said Tony Scheivert, township manager for Upper Uwchlan. “There will also be information on composting and different ways you can leave a smaller footprint.”
The township has an active environmental advisory council that developed the idea for the event.
“They will be volunteering and supporting the event,“Scheivert said.
Get started today
But you don’t have to wait until Earth Day to make some positive changes in your life. According to AARP, you can get started by thinking about these three words: conserve, recycle and donate.
They recommend taking action through buying local produce, riding public transportation more often, using alternatives to plastic (such as reusable shopping bags and glass food storage) and using recycling opportunities. Other ways to take action include planting a tree, cleaning up litter and organic gardening.
If you’re looking for more ways, AARP said that groups like Keep America Beautiful, Earth Day Network and the American Forest Foundation offer many more ways for individuals and groups to take action.
“Making anything better, including the environment, starts small and then gets bigger,” Scheivert said. “Events like this help people in ways to be a part of making things better.’
10 ways you can help save the planet
According to AARP, saving the planet might seem like an overwhelming job, but there are a number of simple habits you can adopt that can go a long way to saving energy and water, conserving resources and reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Here are 10 you can put into practice starting today.
• TURN OFF THE LIGHTS>> Simply flipping the switch when you leave a room can not only reduce energy used — electricity generation is a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions — it can also save you money on your bill each month.
• REGULATE YOUR THERMOSTAT>> According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can cut your heating and cooling bills by as much as 10% by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours per day. Not only will you save money, but you’ll be helping to conserve energy.
• CONSERVE WATER>> Water is a precious natural resource that we often take for granted. There are a number of simple ways to use less water>> Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth. Take shorter showers. Only water your lawn when necessary. Fix leaks, and consider installing water-conserving toilets and shower heads.
• REPURPOSE OR REUSE>> Think twice about the items you throw into the trash. Could you reuse that takeout container for storing leftovers? Could that food waste be turned into a compost pile for your garden? Is there a way to donate or recycle the item? When possible, use plates, cups, and utensils that can be washed instead of paper or plastic versions.
• PLAN YOUR ERRANDS>> If you have a few errands to run in your car, take a few moments to plan the route so you’re being most efficient. Better yet>> bike or walk — if possible and safe— to get some exercise, too.
• MAINTAIN YOUR CAR>> Car maintenance may not be at the top of your list of things to do, but consider this>> Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve fuel economy by up to 3%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Using the manufacturer-recommended motor oil on schedule can add another 1 or 2%. That’s good for fuel usage — and your wallet.
• USE PLANET-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS>> The chemicals found in everyday cleaning products can be harmful to the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has made it easier to choose more planet-friendly products with its Safer Choice label.
• RETHINK YOUR LAWN>> According to the EPA, 30% of U.S. water use is for outdoor purposes, and half of that is used for watering lawns. You don’t need to water your lawn every day. If you step on it and it springs back, it’s probably fine. Plant regionally appropriate plants and grasses that might not need as much water.
• EAT LOCALLY AND SUSTAINABLY>>
Local farmers are an essential part of our food system and need to be supported. When you buy food from local farms, you not only provide income to them, but you also cut down on the need to transport foods long distances. Look for farmers that have organic and sustainable practices.
• STAY INFORMED>> Read up on sustainable household practices and share what you learn with friends and on social media. The EPA has a wealth of resources and ideas. You can also look for green living groups on social media, as well as reputable blogs, podcasts, and other information sources. http://www.aarp.com