Easy Ways to Participate in Earth Week
How To Participate In Earth Week This Year
Millions of Canadians and more than 150 countries around the world will recognize Earth Week and Earth Day this month. The intentions behind Earth Week are to take the time to be more environmentally conscious, and to take action to reduce our carbon footprint at home, school and work.
You can participate too. Here are some easy ways to get involved and contribute to environmental conservation in your community:
- Commit to using a reusable grocery bag when you shop. In Canada, 55 million plastic shopping bags are used each week. Be sure to store some bags at the office and at home. If you drive, leave some in the car, too.
- Many schools are encouraging litter-free lunches. Why not join the initiative? Use reusable plastic or glass lunch containers, cloth napkins and stainless-steel cutlery. At the office, use glasses or mugs for your beverages. For on-the-go, invest in reusable beverage containers.
- The average person throws away 37 kilograms of textiles annually. Donating clothing and textiles to charitable organizations such as Diabetes Canada helps reduce textile waste clogging up local landfills. Clothing and other textiles can be deposited in local donation bins or can be picked up.
- Take public transit, walk or carpool to get around.
- Get the family outdoors and join or create a neighbourhood litter clean-up. Make sure to wear gloves and closed-toe shoes.
- Save the planet and save on electricity bills by turning out the lights and using appliances during mid-peak or off-peak hours. The best hours are from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Additionally, many municipalities across the country plan activities for their residents. Visit your municipality’s website for a listing. Many local papers also provide community event listings that you can check out.
Source: NewsCanada
