DALLAS — Since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22. It is said to be the birth of the modern environmental movement.
The first Earth Day started with group of young environmental activists and it is now observed worldwide.
The ways we celebrate earth day have evolved, but the meaning stays the same: A cleaner earth means a healthier earth.
Here are some sustainable habits you can start today!
1. Eat local, in-season produce.
Eating lower on the food chain means eating more veggies, fruits, grains and beans and less meat. Livestock is responsible for over 14% of manmade global greenhouse gas emissions. You don't have to go vegan, but avoiding meat once a week makes a big difference by reducing the high demand of meat.
Eating local foods that are in season is another great way to go green! Food transportation is a high emitter of greenhouse gasses. Fuel from fossil fuels is used to transport food via ships, trucks and planes. Fuel is also required to keep produce cool during the transportation process. Eating local will help lower the need for major food transportation and you'll eat much more fresh!
2. Give planting a go.
Humans are natural carbon dioxide producers. In fact, an average person exhales 2.3 pounds of carbon dioxide daily. We can offset this by adding plants that use this carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Adding native, drought-resistant plants would be a good start. Long term, maintenance will be lower and it'll save you money by watering less. Bonus points if these plants are also bee and butterfly food! Bees are natural pollinators and butterflies are natural a pesticide.
3. Try shopping green!
BYOB - Bring your own bags when shopping. This will reduce the need for single use plastic bags. Swap out single use, to-go food containers for Tupperware and washable silicone bags.
Toss out single use makeup wipes and try out washable, microfiber towels for makeup removing. This will save you money long term and your skin will love skipping out on the harsh chemicals.
Thrifting is back! Need new clothes? Try second-hand stores. You'll save money and the environment. The average American tosses out near 80 pounds of clothes each year much of which ends up in landfills.
4. Get outside!
Have fun with all Earth has to offer. Try out one of the many local, state and national parks. However you enjoy Earth Day, remember that a clean environment is a happy Earth.