Surasak Suwanmake
10 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Save the Earth
From a very young age we are taught the 3 'Rs;' REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. Here are just a few things you can do around your home to take care of our planet on Earth Day and beyond.
Celebrate Earth Month with brand new specials and documentaries, streaming on discovery+.
(Updated on April 21, 2021)
Earth Day is a global initiative that was first celebrated in 1970 after a tragic oil spill that devastated the ocean wildlife of Santa Barbara, California. The initiative has grown from a local demonstration to a global event in over 190 countries worldwide. Earth provides humans with the resources to sustain everyday life as we know it but our footprint continues to have a negative impact to the environment and the planet that we may take for granted. So how do we help save the planet we call home?
Carol Yepes
REDUCE
1. One Less Drive
Try replacing one drive a week with a walk, a bike ride, or a carpool.
2. Lights Off!
Leaving the house, turn the lights off, no excuses!
3. Fast Fashion, No Rewards
More and more clothing every year are ending up in landfills. Try shopping sustainably or second hand whenever you can! And before you toss that gently used clothing item, consider donation instead.
Richard Drury
REUSE
4. B.Y.O.C.
We all live off coffees and teas but with 365 days in a year, that's a lot of single use waste! Try to B.Y.O.C (bring your own container) whenever allowed.
5. Water Bottles and You
Refill stations are available everywhere you go, and home water filtration is as easy as it has ever been. Opt to skip the plastic bottles from the store and fill up at home. Find yourself in a bind and have to use a plastic bottle? Consider ways that that bottle can serve a different purpose after it's empty.
6. Plastic Bags, No Thank You!
Whether it is using reusable totes at the store or bagless trash options, there is always a way to avoid plastic bags. Remember, paper bags are a better option than plastic if reusable isn't an option. Check out this video from the Earth Day Network on how to check your plastic use around the house.
Jessie Casson
RECYCLE
7. Single Use Doesn't Have to be Evil
Make sure all of your single use materials are either recyclable or biodegradable.
8. Opt for Bio-Plastics and other Plastic Alternatives
Innovations in the world of plastics is creating a brighter future. Keep an eye out for plastic-like materials made from corn and other organic products.
9. Make Sure You Are Recycling Properly
Check your recyclables and your local regulations. Sometimes things that you may think are recyclable are in fact not!
MORAL OF THE STORY
Stream Earth Month on discovery+
Vice President Harris Joins Action Planet: Meeting the Climate Challenge
Vice President Kamala Harris is joined by other ranking members of the Biden administration to discuss the impact of climate change on the world in the new original series ACTION PLANET. Also featured is Jane Fonda, Common, Matt Damon, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Adrian Grenier, Greta Thunberg, and more who are making their discovery+ debut on Earth Day, April 22.
Celebrate Earth Month with New Specials and Series on discovery+
Brand new documentaries and series on discovery+ include ENDANGERED, produced and narrated by Ellen DeGeneres, which follows the effort of dedicated wildlife conservationists across the globe as they work to compile the latest version of The Red List.
