7 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day!

Every April 22, nearly 200 countries observe Earth Day – a holiday that consists of advocating for both policy and environmental change on a global scale.

It all started in 1970, in response to the Santa Barbara oil blowout of 1969. More than three million gallons of oil spilled into the coast, killing the native wildlife and striking a cord with Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. senator from Wisconsin.

Earth Day started on a national level, with demonstrations led by passionate Americans, especially college students, advocating for a healthy, sustainable environment by fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness and the extinction of wildlife.

The significance of Earth Day is larger than just a focused day on the environment: It was a time in history where Americans – from all walks of life – aligned for a common goal.

By the end of 1970, the inaugural Earth Day had inspired the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated on a global scale as the largest secular observance in the world, focusing on current issues of global warming, clean energy and the elimination of plastic pollution in water sources.

However, you don’t have to wait until April 22 to start living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. We have seven ways you can celebrate Earth Day every day.

Use Natural Cleaners in Your Home

While store-bought cleaners might seem convenient, they actually have chemicals that cause more harm than good, according to the EPA.

These chemicals can cause harm to both your home and the environment, so making the switch to natural cleaners, like baking soda, fruit and vinegar, can make your house healthy, fresh and green.

Take Care of Household Plants

House plants can do more for you than enhance your interior décor. Some of the more common plants actually help increase oxygen levels in your home. They also clean the air by removing toxins.

If you’re looking to add some greenery and clean the air in your home, learn how to take care of common house plants.

Try Living Carbon-Neutral

One way to counteract your carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main causes of global warming, is by living a life that’s more carbon-neutral. You can do this by limiting air and car travel, cutting down on meat intake and even adjusting your thermostat.

Going carbon-neutral isn’t easy, but it is necessary if you want to eliminate your carbon footprint.

Dump the DEET

DEET, one of the most common active ingredients in insect repellent, could be harmful to you and the environment and wildlife that may come into contact with it.

Instead of using products that contain DEET, opt for mosquito-repelling plants – environmentally friendly and a nice addition to your next backyard gathering!

Visit Your Local Farmers Market

Shopping at your local farmers market not only supports small farms and businesses, but it’s also a good way to keep you and your family healthy with locally grown produce that are usually organic (free from synthetic pesticides that cause harm to you, local water, soil and air).

If you’re looking for a tasty way to be green, try shopping at your local farmers market!

Upgrade Your Home Hardware

Who knew that being green could actually make your life easier! By installing smart features, like a smart thermostat, in your home, you can make your home more environmentally friendly.

There are more ways to install smart technology in your home, so if you’re interested in saving money and energy, try out a few today.

Install Energy-Efficient Windows

Did you know your widows could be a contributor to your high energy bill? You could be spending more money than you have to in order to regulate the temperature in your home.

By installing new, energy-efficient windows in your home, you could save money while also boosting the value of your home.

If you’re ready to update the windows in your home, make sure you know what to look for before you make a purchase.

Earth Day is a day that globally unites environmentalists and passionate Americans alike to promote a cleaner, greener planet. Celebrate this April 22 by conscientiously making a lifestyle change to keep Earth healthy.

How are you celebrating Earth Day? Let us know how you plan to go green this month, in the comments below.

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