Happy Earth Day! Today is the day to think about small changes you can make to live a more ec0 friendly existence. It’s easy to feel that the problems we face are just too big, and to feel that our actions as an individual won’t make a difference. But we are a planet full of individuals, and if we all make lots of small changes they will add up to a movement! Here are some easy actions for Earth Day.
Easy actions for Earth Day
Buy less and use what you have
When you are living a frugal lifestyle, this is probably second nature. It makes financial sense to know what you have – be it tools, food, clothing, DIY equipment, etc – and use it before you buy anything else.
However, this way of thinking is also good for the planet. If you have ever watched The Story of Stuff, you will be aware of just how much of our resource goes into producing stuff, and what happens to it when we have no further use for it.
By buying less and using everything we have to the last, we are living more sustainably.
Change your cleaning products
Many of us have bought into the idea that we need a different cleaning product for every job in the home. We want to zap every germ and clean our homes until they sparkle.
However, by doing this, we bring a cocktail of ingredients into our habitats. Some of those chemicals will end up down the drain and into our water systems. Not only do they potentially damage us, but they harm nature.
Their production uses a lot of energy and causes pollution too. By simplifying your cleaning routine, and using less harmful products such as washing soda, lemon and vinegar, you minimise your impact.
There is a simple recipe for an eco friendly cleaning spray here.
Plant a tree
I am old enough to remember a campaign called Plant a Tree in 73. As school children, we were each given a tiny tree and taken out to a field to plant them. If they all survived they will have made a small wood by now!
Trees are really important to our environment, now more than ever. They absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and the carbon that they store in their wood helps slow the rate of global warming.
If you have the space, plant a tree in your garden. But if you can’t plant a tree yourself, you can make donation to the National Trust, who will plant one for you.
Buy second hand
I spent the whole of 2021 with a self-imposed rule to buy only second hand. Whatever I needed, be it fabric, furniture, technology, clothing or gifts, it had to be pre-loved.
You can save a lot of money buying second hand. I reckon I saved thousands last year alone. Now I know that pretty much anything is available used if you look hard enough, I hesitate to buy new.
I wasn’t only trying to save money, however. Buying second hand is great for the environment. By keeping things in circulation that we have produced, using energy and resources, we have to produce less in the future.
Drive less
With the rising costs of fuel, many of us are trying to drive less anyway. However, if you want to reduce your impact on global warming, driving less is a practical way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Walking or using your bike when you can, car pooling and using public transport may all save you money too.
Are you planning any actions for Earth Day?
I’m linking up with this Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Frugal Friday’ linky.
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