Earth Day is that time of the year when we celebrate the earth and all the precious resources that it provides. Plus, we raise awareness for global environmental protection and all we can do to preserve our planet’s health.

Living in Lake Chelan, we’re surrounded by so much natural beauty. We have a great appreciation for the beautiful environment we live in. We’re so grateful for the clean air, the mountain spring water, the lakes we swim in, and the mountains we get to hike.

It’s important to always remember just how much our world provides. It’s up to each of us to ensure that our environment stays healthy by making small but significant adjustments to the way we live our daily lives.  

Earth Day Every Day

You may be wondering, “How do I celebrate Earth Day?” When it comes down to it, Earth Day is about developing healthy habits to help preserve the earth when it comes down to it. It’s about being conscious of our planet and instilling these practices into our daily lives (and not just on Earth Day!)

You can start as small as going paperless with all your service providers (cable, cell phone, etc.). After all, going paperless saves trees. Or it could even be something as simple as selecting one day a week where you don’t drive a vehicle to do your part in reducing carbon emissions. 

Here are a few other things that you could be doing year-round to ensure every day is Earth Day!

Reuse, Recycle, & Save Energy

There are plenty of things that you can do around your home that will contribute to a healthier environment.

• Reuse Your Jars: Instead of throwing away that old pickle jar, reuse it and turn it into a storage jar for cereals, rice, beans, or oats.
• Switch To Fluorescent Bulbs: Instead of wasting energy using standard incandescent light bulbs, switch to LED light bulbs. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Shut Down Computers When Not Being Used: It’s so much easier to put your computer in sleep mode and call it a day. However, even in sleep mode, your computer is still using electricity. So if you’re not using it, why not shut it down?
• Recycle: We all have a designated spot for trash in our homes. Create a second designated spot for recycling. Reduce the amount you recycle by switching to long-lasting items such as water cantine, metal/glass straws, and reusable shopping bags. Lake Chelan’s Rotary Club introduced the excellent 911 Glass Rescue program, transforming old glass into new ones.

Purchase Foods Locally

Purchasing produce and different foods from local businesses and farmer’s markets are fantastic ways to live a greener lifestyle. But, let’s be honest, fresh produce always tastes better when purchased locally!

The major benefit of buying local is that you’ll contribute to the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint by decreasing the amount of paper, plastic, and emissions from shipping.

Contribute To a Cleaner Community

Stay engaged with Earth Day year-round by participating in programs that clean up trash, plant trees, or help to preserve wildlife. Even if you don’t volunteer with an organization, there are lots of ways you can still play a part in cleaning up your local community.

• Pick up trash: Make it a point to pick up trash the next time you go on a walk or a run. You could even make a game out of it. For example, during your next walk, you could plan to pick up three pieces of trash. The following walk, five pieces of trash. Before you know it, you’re walking with a trash bag.
• Dispose properly or donate: Instead of throwing away unwanted electronics, dispose of them properly or donate them to those in need. The same thing goes for clothing. Instead of throwing them away, you could use them as cleaning rags around the house, refurbish them into other clothing, or donate them. 
• Create your own event: Schedule a local event to pick up trash with your family and friends. Make a hike out of it. Meet up at a specific location with trash bags for everyone, and then pick up trash as you hike.

• Spread awareness: Share your knowledge and green practices with others so they that will join in on Earth Day every day.

Greener Year

Although Earth Day only comes once a year, let’s make every day an Earth Day! People may think that saving the environment is way too big of an issue to solve. Perhaps all we need to do is add or change a few habits so that collectively, we can strengthen our planet and preserve our world for future generations.