What are You Willing to Give up for Earth Day?

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22^nd, with more than 1 billion people participating. What is Earth Day? Earth day is observed in celebration and appreciation of the natural environment of the earth. Activities are designed to develop appreciation and awareness for the earth we call home. When is earht Day? Earth day was first celebrated in San Francisco on March 21st 1970. In 2009, the United Nations declared April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day.

Even if you can’t join one of the many Earth day activities there is something you can do to help with the environmental challenges faced by our planet.

Here are a few things to consider giving up and contributing to our environment.

1. Donate to support Earth Day activities

2. Leave your car at home and walk or cycle

3. Go meat free for at least that one day, better yet for 1 week.

4. Shorten your showers

5. Donate clothing you haven’t worn in a year

6. Turn off the TV for one night

7. Don’t buy anything new that your life does not depend on

8. Throw out one of your toxic cleaners and replace with an environmentally friendly one

9. Unplug electrical appliances

10. Give up bottled water for a day

These may look like minor changes but they make a huge impact when done by millions and even better when practices throughout the year.

Some interesting Statistics

1. 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed when these products are turned off.
2. A typical 5 minute shower uses 100 litres of water. A low flow showerhead will reduce that to 35 litres.
3. Composting can reduce your household waste by 50%
4. One tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This is equal to the car emissions that are generated by driving a car 17,600 km
5. The major cause of urban air pollution is vehicle exhaust. It contributes to Ozone depletion, Acid rain, Global warming and smog. (Sources: Earth Day.ca)

You can submit and act of green here