Earth day is in April so it’s time to get our habits in check. I’m glad we have earth day, but it should be more of a reminder to continue the earth helping habits that we already have. I mean, I want to keep this earth looking fresh for the future generations. Also most of the stuff I list below makes you healthier or even just feel better like going out side or eating a plant based diet.
1. Plant Based Diet
This one is my favorite. I am a vegetarian myself and it has made me so creative with my cooking lately. Trying new foods and incorporating different vegetables into my meals has been so fun for me. You don’t need to go fully vegetarian, but lean towards a more plant based diet. This diet also helps you live longer as most people over the age of 100 have a 90% plant based diet. I also feel energized after a meal, instead of sleepy and tired. The harsh conditions manufacturers keep animals in just to kill them is shocking. As well as the methane the cows contribute to the ozone layer is alarming. Let’s just try to eat from the earth and not from the animals. If you really want to change your mind I recommend watching Game Changers and Secrets of the Blue Zones on Netflix, they are quite enlightening on the effects of a plant based diet on your body.
2. Volunteer
Of course you can volunteer to pick up trash which doesn’t seem that fun. but make it fun. I’ve gone to some cool places on the ocean where I found little crabs and creatures while cleaning up. This is also a great way to meet people who care about the earth and just like being outside too. As well, you can volunteer to help plant trees, advocate for climate action at your school by joining green clubs, or even just spend time outside appreciating the earth.
3. Upcycle and Reuse
I don’t know whose idea it was when they said we can only wear an outfit once. I used to be a big shopper and just buy whatever was trending on Instagram and Tik Tok. It’s pretty convincing how these people claim their shirt is the comfiest thing ever. I have recently switched my mindset to repurpose and reuse the clothes I already have. Really dive deep into your clothes and find those pieces you used to love. Get creative with new styling and wearing your pieces differently. Thinking this way has saved me so much money and time. I don’t feel exhausted trying to find the next best thing anymore. If you don’t like your clothes, try to upcycle them and create something new. Sometime cutting it up and glueing it back together is all a garment needs. Trust me, you have a lot more clothes than you think. There is so much clothing waste that the world doesn’t k is what to do with. Piles on beaches in Ghana all drifting into the ocean and sinking to the bottom. Like the ocean floor has clothes on it instead of sand. Mind blowing.
4. Check Your Carbon Footprint
In my environment science class in college they had us take a carbon footprint quiz. It’s called Footprint Calculator and shows you how many earths you use a year. I am a pretty environmentally conscious person and thought I was doing good. Looks like I’m not the best. It calculates everything from what you eat to where you go and what you buy. This calculator helped me to put my day to day activities into perspective and if I was actually moving in the right direction. I love to travel so my flights made my cabin footprint pretty big considering the emissions the planes release.
5. Go Outside
Going outside helps the mind and soul. Especially when you go outside with the intention of appreciating nature and taking it all in. Nature is so crazy the fact that it just exists but there is so much going on. Go to the park, find a nature trail, or take a hike. I literally found a nature trail in Chicago, you can find one in your town. Bring your friends too, everyone wants to get outside. I’ll even make it easier for you and just grab a blanket or a sheet and lay outside. You probably need some sun. Enjoying your time outside will help to keep the earth beautiful and make others want to keep it beautiful too.