Earth Day may officially come around only once a year on April 22, but our world would be a better place if we all took steps to take care of the planet year-round. So, we here at The Complete Insurance Source put together several ways to both commemorate Earth Day and to live a little greener in Fayette County all year long.
Earth Day Activities
Start a Recycling Drive at Your Kids’ School
Get some parents and teachers together to look at how your children’s school does or doesn’t recycle. Look for improvements and possible ways to raise money, such as collecting materials during a special drive that can be sold to a scrapyard.
Organize an Eco-Fair in Your Neighborhood
Invite local businesses and environmental organizations to educate you and your neighbors on the benefits of green living. Think of businesses that install solar panels and groups that restore hiking trails.
Plant a Tree
It’s easy to make an impact locally by planting trees, either in your own yard or by organizing a community event to beautify neglected parks or other areas of your city. Be sure to get the proper permissions or permits first, if needed.
Invite an Expert to Speak in Your Community
If you’d like to raise awareness about particular environmental issues, host a community forum and invite a local teacher, professor, or simply someone who’s passionate about the environment to speak.
Arrange a Trash Pickup Event
Work with your local parks or other departments to clean up a park, school, or senior center. Recruit volunteers from your work, your child’s school, your church, and other community groups.
Green Living Tips
Buy Products in Easily Recyclable Containers
Learn which types of plastics, metals, and glass recyclers most desire and do your best to buy products that come in those materials. Also, look for products that use minimal packaging to begin with.
Start a Neighborhood Compost Pile
Get a group together to create a compost pile the entire neighborhood can contribute to and draw from. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with your neighbors.
Start a Community Garden
A community garden encourages community engagement, education, and a healthy lifestyle. The Tyrone Garden 30290 even encourages local restaurants to rent space as well.
Ditch Your Car
If you can walk, bike, or take public transportation to work or school, give it a try. If not, why not organize a carpool? You may just shorten your commute time by using the carpool lane.
Switch Your Light Bulbs
High-efficiency light bulbs will make a big impact on the light fixtures you use the most. Look for the Energy Star label when choosing an LED or compact fluorescent bulb.
Reduce Your Water Usage
With more states experiencing water bans, especially during the summer, it’s a good time to look at your own water usage. Shorten showers, set your washing machine to the appropriate water level, and only run the dishwasher when it’s full. Also, consider water-wise landscaping.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate Earth Day and to live green in Georgia. Find the ones that are easy and meaningful for your family, and be sure to get the kids and even the community involved. Because, the more you reduce, reuse, and recycle, the more you’re making the right kind of impact!