Happy Earth Month! This April, let's do more than just celebrate Earth Day. Let's commit to cleaning up our environment every day for the next 30 days and beyond. As residents of this planet we owe to our self to comprehend what is happening and take actions via our own lives to make some improvements to impact mother earth for the better. This year's theme fore Earth Day is "Planet vs. Plastics". Take a moment to reflect on this theme. Is there something you can do to contribute to reducing your personal use of plastics? Write down ways you can make a difference and commit to them for 30 days or more.
What is Earth Month?
Earth Month is about appreciating our planet and taking steps to improve its health by making positive impacts. It's a time to go beyond just celebrating Earth Day (April 22nd) and extend that focus for the entire month.
Simply put, the ultimate goal of Earth Month is to create a future where humans, animals, and all living things can thrive on a healthy planet. It's a time for all of us to find ways to live more sustainably and contribute to the well-being of our planet. By learning about eco-friendly living and putting that knowledge into action, we can form long-term positive habits that benefit the environment. Let's use this Earth Month to reflect on our actions and find ways to make a positive impact. By making small changes in our daily routines, we can collectively make a big difference in creating a more sustainable future.
2024 Theme
The theme for this year is Planet vs. Plastics. The purpose is to unite students, parents, businesses, governments, churches, unions, individuals, and NGOs in an unwavering commitment to call for the end of plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by 2040 and an ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come. Yes, it may sound like a tall task, but as arduous as it sounds it can be done if we all do our part.
12 Ways to Celebrate Earth Month
1. Get out in Nature
a. Make a conscious decision to get out in nature. Whether you sit there and do nothing or play around, have fun, laugh, jog, walk, or whatever have you get out and enjoy time in nature with Mother Earth. Think of it as the universe's gift to help destress and it cost no money to do. Therefore, there shall be no excuses on why you can’t indulge in what nature has to offer.
b. Get out there and smell the fresh air, listen to the birds sing, watch the squirrels play.
2. Participate in a clean-up program
a. There is so much pollution in our landfills and there are so many clean-ups that go on throughout the year. Do your part and give your time to clean up your environment.
b. Clean up litter that you see and are comfortable removing.
c. Speak to others about participating in a clean-up program.
3. Alleviate food insecurity
a. There are about 45 million people living in the United States with some form of food insecurity and the number continues to grow. Before you throw out that next meal, consider who may be hungry and offer a free meal to someone in need. If you are at an event and there are leftovers, ask if the food can be donated to a shelter or to someone less fortunate.
b. Food can be recycled too. If fruit do not look sunshine good, that does not mean that it tastes bad or is expired. Someone out there may be legitimately in need of food. Pause and think of others in a time when you complain about what you don't like or have because 7 out of 10 times you have more than most. Be generous and share, you will surely feel great about your actions.
4. Upcycle
a. Turn a car tire into a place to sit your plants or herbs. (Pro-Tip- paint the tire a bright color to make it unrecognizable)
b. Checkout our upcycled jewelry made from bicycle tires. Yes, we like tires.
c. Turn a t-shirt into a bag, rag, or a new type of shirt with colors & design.
d. Turn shoe boxes into storage boxes (draw, color or paint on them).
5. Sustainable Straws
a. Stop by the online store to pick up a bamboo, glass, or stainless-steel straw. There is no need to use plastic straws a day longer. Purchase straws here
6. Mindfulness
a. Be mindful of the products you put on your skin and in your surroundings. Read the ingredients and avoid if you see too many or can’t pronounce them.
7. Get rid of Plastic
a. Partake in a plastic challenge. Go an entire month without using plastic or as little as possible. Make a conscious decision to not bring anything that contains plastic into your home. Bye-bye water bottles and canisters.
b. Invest in bamboo or stainless steel utensils.
8. Shop local, Shop Small Biz
a. Reduce of air pollution and carbon emissions by reducing commute times.
b. Support local businesses, keep the community growing and excess pollution out.
c. Shop or work with companies that care about sustainable living and has limited their packaging and eco-footprint.
9. Reuse
a. Make a conscious decision to use things that are not fully warn out. Purchase sandwich or snack bags to put such items in and produce bags for fruits and vegetables that are purchased from the local supermarket. Visit our grocer bags here.
b. Purchase one of our reusable bags to take with you everywhere you go. Visit our online store to purchase one if you have not already. Our bags are sturdy, carry up to 40lbs of goods and last a very long time.
10. Donate
a. If you have things that you are not using and don’t want consider recycling or upcycling or even donating it. Your trash can be someone else’s treasures.
b. Donate your money, time, or words to make someone's day as well as your own if not better
11. Grow a Garden
a. Spruce up your space with some greenery.
b. Whether using a windowsill, backyard, planters’ box, or terrace; plant a seed, water it and watch it grow. This is a great reminder that whatever we want in life we must first start by sowing a seed. Herbs, fruits, veggies, flowers, and plants are easy to begin to grow a garden.
12. Go Meatless
a. Engage in Meatless Monday’s. If you have been thinking about reducing your intake of meat, consider going meatless every Monday in April. If you want to do better than that, how about going plant-based for the entire month. 30 Days of being meatless is not only helpful to the environment, but can be something that your body seeks too. Consider adding more vegetables and fruits to your plate. Visit our store and pick up an e-book or guide to help you make the change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Earth Month encourages us to find ways to live more sustainably. It is indeed a perfect time of year to learn about eco-friendly living and putting that knowledge into action. You can research sustainability practices and incorporate them into your daily routine, forming long-term positive habits. Remember this year's theme as you keep going "Planet vs. Plastic".
Pondering Question(s):
What are some things you can do, companies you can support to show your acknowledgement of Earth Month?
What habits can you change to live a more conscious, sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle?
What ways can you show the planet that you appreciate it?
Have Fun and Make A Difference this Earth Month!
Reference
Food Insecurity in America