Happy Earth Day everyone! It’s a great day to spend time outside, enjoy nature, and most importantly reflect on our environmental impact on planet Earth. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and it sure is a special one in the midst of COVID-19. Many cities around the world are quieter - less people walking around, less cars. The Himalayas are visible to India for the first time in 30 years due to pollution levels in the country dropping significantly since their country-wide lock-down took place three weeks ago. Emissions in China fell by 25%, and satellite images over Italy show slowing emissions as well. It is a strange day, and sometimes it can be daunting thinking about pandemics and the helplessness we can feel in the face of it. It’s very similar to the helplessness I’m sure many of us feel when thinking about climate change, greenhouse gases, sustainability.. how much we can’t do to save the planet. Instead of focusing on the can’ts this year, why don’t we focus on the can? What can we do today to make a difference?
We made this list because these are changes we’ve implemented personally at Green City Roots to not only reduce our carbon footprint, but reduce the spread of COVID-19. Most, if not all, of these things we’re sure you’ve heard before, but we listed some suggestions to make these changes easier and safer for everyone.
The Reusables
Bags
Reusable Bags are probably the most common way we can reduce the use of paper and plastic bags, but also is a great way to reduce contamination between you and store clerks. We make sure we have a stash in our car or on our bike basket, as well as keeping a stash at home. When you bring your groceries home, put your keys in one of the bags and place it near your door, so you don’t forget to put them back in your car for next time!
Straws
Straws are a tough one, but not impossible! Our best suggestion is buying a case for your straw that you can keep in your purse or backpack, but also buy a second one to put in your car. This way you’ll always have one if you order a drink on the go, and is one less thing you have to worry about germs spreading to, especially since it will be near and on your mouth.
Pro-Tip: When you order drinks on the go, try to keep a water bottle on hand. After you’ve finished your Coke or iced coffee, drink some water - you’ll get extra hydration and rinse your straw at same time!
Water Bottles
It is 2020 people! Plastic water bottles are so last century. Save money long term by getting a filter that can attach to your water tap. More convenient than a water filter pitcher, and less trips to the store, which means less spread of disease. We recommend using a BPA free water bottle, 32oz or higher. Buy two to three per family member, keep two at home and one in your bag or at the office!
And finally, garden!
Gardening, of course, is a great way to reduce your footprint while also stopping the spread of COVID-19 as you’ll be spending less time in the grocery store. What’s important to remember though is you want to try to plant sustainable plants, namely ones that don’t require a lot of water or products to live in your climate zone. To further help the planet, compost! This is a great way to boost your garden while reducing waste. For more on composting stay tuned, as we’ll have a step by step on that soon!
And there you have it folks! We hope this helped, and wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy Earth Day 2020.
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