Earth Day 2023
Join us in celebrating Earth Day.
Earth Day is this week, a national day observed to support our planet, held annually on 22nd April.
The first Earth Day was introduced in 1970 to flood the world with hope, optimism and action for our beautiful planet Earth.
It is now the world’s largest recruiter for the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in over 192 countries.
Why does Earth Day matter?
Our planet is currently facing a crisis that most of us know as climate change.
Human activity causes immense damage to our planet and environment.
From overpopulation to burning fossil fuels, deforestation and pollution, our activity has been linked to negative impacts across the world like rising sea levels, poor air quality and loss of habitat for wildlife.
When faced with the failings and misdoings of our entire species, it can be disheartening and discouraging to think about what we could do to help.
Earth Day serves as a reminder of the value of individual action to inform collective action and change.
As EARTHDAY.ORG say:
“Our world needs transformational change.”
“As an individual, you yield real power and influence as a consumer, a voter, and a member of a community that can unite for change.”
“Don’t underestimate your power. When your voice and your actions are united with thousands or millions of others around the world, we create a movement that is inclusive, impactful, and impossible to ignore.”
“Every Earth Day can drive a year of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to create a new plan of action for our planet.”
How can you help save our planet?
Going green and doing your bit to save our planet is easier than you may think.
There are lots of little things you can do every day to help save our precious planet.
Ahead of this Earth Day, you can also check out this event map to see what events are taking place near you.
Save water
Conserving water is important.
According to theworldcounts.com, if we continue the way we are, freshwater will run out by 2040!
Here are a few ways that you can help save water:
- Turn the tap off while you’re brushing your teeth and shaving
- Have shorter showers, also turn off your shower while lathering yourself in soap
- Take baths when possible, however, only partially fill your tub, this will use less water than even those short showers
- Only boil the amount of water you need for your cups of tea and coffee
- Collect rainwater for your garden by using a water butt, or another rainwater collection system (this can save up to 5,000 litres of water a year)
- Use a watering can or regulated sprinkler system where you can, instead of a hosepipe
There are plenty more ways you can help save water, you can find a few here from Volusia.org.
Plant trees
You can give a little gift to mother nature by planting a tree in your garden, this will increase happiness as well as help the environment.
Trees and other plants are vital to Earth’s survival, so do your bit and plant trees in your garden.
Here is what your trees will do for the planet:
- Absorb carbon dioxide and provide us with oxygen
- Improve air quality
- Help conserve water
- Preserves soil
- Helps support wildlife
“The little things that we can do to help save the environment, are the ones that make the biggest difference.”
Buy local or grow your own
Buying local produce like fruit, vegetables and meat from your local farm shop instead of your local supermarket will have a positive impact on the environment:
- Will help reduce air pollution because of the decrease in goods being transported across long distances
- Many local food producers grow their food organically, meaning they’ll use natural pest repellents and no chemically produced pesticides
- Buying locally will help preserve farmland and reduce the amount of space for industrial and commercial development
Growing your own fruit and vegetables where possible will decrease air pollution even more, as you will only be walking into your garden or allotment to pick the produce. It’s as easy as pie!
Check out the RHS website for tips on growing vegetables.
You can learn more about Earth Day and how you can help on the Earth Day website.
Want to care for your environment?
Caring for our planet is important and there is much that we can do to help out. While you’re making change, we’ll look after your immediate environment: your home.
For a free quote on a range of home cleaning services from one-off deep cleans to regular visits, find your nearest Merry Maids business today or book online in select locations.