As the world battles COVID-19, it feels like humans across the globe are closer than ever. Despite widespread physical distancing measures, the common enemy has brought the world together. World-wide digital chatgroups and ocean-spanning family video calls are just the beginning.
There’s no denying that – this year – Earth Day doesn’t feel quite the same. We may not be able to join our community in clean-up efforts or gather together in solidarity for a common cause. But, we can work together from the comfort of our own homes to make a difference for everyone living on this planet. It may seem small, but what we do today in our kitchens, backyards and online can help the next generation… here in the U.S. and across the globe. And, with climate action as the theme for Earth Day 2020, it’s the perfect time to reduce your daily impact on the environment.
1. Order food from your local farm
Not only is local food the freshest available, buying local also protects the environment. Ordering delivery from your local farm greatly reduces miles traveled and fuel used. A peach from your state uses far less resources to reach you than one from China. As an extra bonus, you’re supporting small farms in your community. It’s a win-win-win!
2. Make a meal plan
According to the USDA’s 2015 food waste analysis, 30%-40% of the country’s food was wasted – and this percentage has likely only grown since. Consider planning your meals for the week before buying groceries. This extra step should reduce your food waste, therefore minimizing your landfill contribution and your grocery bill.
3. Start composting
You’ve been hearing this one for years… and there’s no better time to start than now! Don’t have a garden? Don’t worry. Many locations offer community composting programs, so you can help your neighborhood flourish while reducing your waste.
4. Skip the utensils
With us all doing our part to flatten the curve, ordering-in has become the “en vogue” dining choice. Since you’re in the comfort of your home – complete with forks, knives and spoons – consider adding a note to your order saying you don’t want the disposable versions.
5. Put your windows to work
Reduce your utilities bill and your energy usage by using your window coverings to their fullest. Be sure shades are closed on hot sunny days. This simple step can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home. Similarly, keeping shades closed on chilly days can add an extra barrier to reduce cold from creeping in.
6. Give your appliances a break
Did you know your unused appliances are using a lot of energy? Even when “off”, your TV, microwave and just about everything else are drawing power. Consider connecting offenders to power strips with an on/off switch. Toggling these to the “off” position when your appliances aren’t in use (or just unplugging them) will ensure you’re minimizing your appliance footprint.
7. Try meatless Monday (or more!)
A study published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America in 2019 found that red meat was 35 times more damaging to the environment than a comparable serving of vegetables. You can see why eliminating meat consumption just one day each week could make a difference for the environment. Consider swapping your beef burger for its veggie counterpart or replacing your chicken parmigiana with the eggplant variety.
Recent events have had a way of putting things into perspective. It’s becoming more and more clear that we’re in this together. After all, “It is our collective and individual responsibility[…] to preserve and tend to the world in which we all live.” – The Dalai Lama
Published on April 20, 2020
