Today is Earth Day! How are you celebrating?
I try to be conscious throughout the year, as best I can. We’ve made the switch (mostly) to eco-friendly personal care products, household cleaners and natural products (including this easy stove-top cleaning tip that I used just yesterday!) and the in- joke with many of those closest too me about my militant composting ways (although it’s not really!!).
The kids are taught about recycling and reusing products, about energy conservation and saving water. When we notice garbage on the ground, if safe we pick it up and put it in a trash can, but usually my son likes to chide the offender out loud, even if they aren’t present.
But I’m still learning, each and every day, what our role is in keeping this earth clean and healthy for future generations. Each of our actions may seem small, but they really do make a difference when taken as a whole. I feel I have a long way to go still, but am on the right path.
So for Earth Day, I decided to briefly offer a few tips that I’ve learned about reducing, reusing and recycling. But I encourage you to share a tip in the comments as well, because like I said, I’m still learning.
What are some of my tips?
Reduce: My most recent attempt to reduce comes in the form of reducing the amount of paper towels we use. Paper towels are easy for wiping up spills, but instead I started opting for cloths to wipe up messes, clean the stove and windows and so on. This reduces how much paper towels we are using!
Reuse: Consignment shops have become a really great way to not only get rid of items we no longer use in the house (or kids’ clothing, toys etc. ) but also make a little bit of extra money! For some items that are trickier to consign or out of season for consignment, we donate to charity every few months. These items go for sale for someone else to reuse, plus makes the charity money.
Recycle: How many times have you driven around on garbage day to see old televisions, radios and computer screens sitting on the side of the road, waiting for the garbage truck? The fact is, many cities have electronic recycling depots where these items can be dropped off. Don’t throw them out!
