LIFE

Now more than ever, it's time to take a look around and be thankful for what we normally take for granted. This Earth Day (April 22), show the planet some extra love by trying one (or a few) of these eco-friendly activities! 

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1. Do some meal prepping
Planning out your meal portions in advance can prevent you from wasting food!

2. Use leftovers as compost 

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Talk to your parents about making a small space for compost in your yard. Check out this helpful YouTube tutorial for more info!

3. Ride your bike instead of driving

We know you're probably not leaving your house much right now, but if you have to run to the store for one or two essentials and can fit them in a backpack, consider riding your bike instead of driving. Cars can cause pollution, while bikes are powered by you. 

4. Watch a documentary about the Earth

Education is power, so opt for a film about animals, the oceans or any other Mother-Earth-approved subject this week. 

5. Unplug your devices once they're done charging

This will ensure you're not wasting electricity!

6. Use more cold water

Cold showers might not be your fave, but they are ultimately better for the planet because you're not using energy to warm the water. Get into the habit of going a little cooler than usual—small changes can add up to big results. 

7. Invest in a water filter

If you have filtered water at home you're less likely to stock up on plastic water bottles—win! 

8. Get a cute reusable water bottle

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Reusable water bottles are another great way to cut back on plastic use—they also allow you to show off your personality (this one is adorable!).

9. Educate the next generation

Have a younger sibling, cousin or neighbor who you spend a lot of time with? This April 22, teach him or her about Earth Day and brainstorm some fun things you can do together to celebrate.

10. Rethink your period products

Organic tampons feature plant-based applicators, reducing the amount of plastic waste in the environment. 

11. Swap your toothbrush for one made of bamboo

Bamboo toothbrushes are another great plastic-reducer—plus, they provide the same health benefits as a regular brush (pssst, these ones are colorful). 

12. Treat yourself to a reusable grocery tote 

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Reusable totes have been popping up everywhere and for good reason. They're cute and reduce the need for plastic bags. 

13. Wrap sandwiches in beeswax

Beeswax food wraps keep your meals fresh for just as long as aluminum foil and they can be reused. 

14. Speaking of lunch, carry a lunch box rather than a paper or plastic bag

When school resumes for you, make sure to carry a lunch box—they're not just for elementary school! They can be personalized and used for a *long* time. 

15. Save the turtles and choose a paper or metal straw

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Plastic straws are a commonly littered item and can be deadly to sea animals like turtles. Thankfully, many stores are switching to paper straws—you can join the movement by purchasing a reusable metal straw and carrying it in your purse!

16. Shop at your local farmers market

When possible, supporting local farmers means that you're investing in your community's natural beauty. 

17. Start a garden of your own

Find inspo for a DIY herb garden in this YouTube video!

18. Grab your besties and go thrifting

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The next time you're able to safely go shopping with your besties, consider a thrift store over the mall. Thrifting is the perfect way to reuse clothing and save the resources that go into making them. 

19. Participate in Meatless Monday

Meatless Mondays are exactly what they sound like—a commitment to giving up eating meat on Mondays. It's a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint, and you might just like it enough to make it a more permanent lifestyle change. 

20. Join Greta Thunberg's #FridaysForFuture movement

For the time being, the protests have gone digital—read all about them here!

21. Talk to your parents about scaling back your family's paper usage

Maybe you can help them set up online bill paying or opt for a digital holiday card this year. 

22. Switch to an eco-friendly search engine

Ecosia is a search engine based in Germany that donates 80% or more of its profits to reforestation efforts. The more you search, the more trees get planted!

What's your favorite way to celebrate the Earth? Tell us in the comments!

by Haley Brown | 4/17/2020