EVERYDAY WAYS TO HELP MOTHER EARTH

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY

Be A Part Of The Solution! Your Everyday Choices Matter A Lot.

Reduce Garbage

Recycle and buy things in recycled packaging or minimal packaging.
Wash, reuse, and recycle glass bottles and jars in the kitchen.
Use washable fabric kitchen towels instead of paper towels.
Reuse plastic bags. Wash them and hang them to dry.
Recycle all of your paper and cardboard packaging, newspapers and magazines.
Avoid Styrofoam. Ask for alternatives whenever possible.
Donate usable items to local nonprofit organizations for resale and reuse.
Use Metro Household Hazardous Waste Services for toxic household wastes of all kinds. Visit https://www.oregonmetro.gov or call 503-234-3000.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Remember to shut off unused lights.
Put on a sweater instead of turning up the thermostat.
Walk or ride a bike as much as possible.
When you must drive, plan your errands to reduce the number of trips or miles.
Use weather stripping on windows and doors to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Open the refrigerator when you decide what you want to eat, not while deciding.
Check the temperature in your fridge. It should be between 38 and 42 degrees F.
Use a microwave to reheat foods. It uses one-third of the energy of a range or oven.

Protect Animals and Support Biodiversity

Support habitat conservation and restoration.
Choose native landscaping.
Choose soap and vinegar over pesticides and herbicides. Consult https://ww.oregonmetro.gov for options.
Supply a bird feeder for migratory birds.
Choose plants and flowers that support pollinators.
Don’t purchase items made of ivory, tortoise shell, coral or reptile skins.

Keep The Earth Green

Use fabric shopping bags. Store them in the car.
Choose unbleached paper whenever possible.
Celebrate Earth Day and generate environmental awareness in your community.
Choose a live holiday tree and plant it after the holidays.
Volunteer for local environmental organizations or local watershed councils.
Write to your senator, congressman/woman/representative and speak out for our life support systems.

Save Water

Let the lawn go dormant in the summertime or choose lawn varieties adapted to your climate.

If you must water, do so in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
Turn off the water, while you brush your teeth.
Use water-saving fixtures in your home.

Save The Humans

Support access to higher education for everyone.
Choose to have a smaller family or adopt a child.