EARTHDAY.ORG grew out of the first Earth Day in 1970, and is now the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in over 192 countries to drive positive action for our planet. 

OUR VISION FOR CHANGE

“Our world needs transformational change. It’s time for the world to hold sectors accountable for their role in our environmental crisis while also calling for bold, creative, and innovative solutions. This will require action at all levels, from business and investment to city and national government.

That’s where you come in: As an individual, you yield real power and influence as a consumer, a voter, and a member of a community that can unite for change.

Don’t underestimate your power. When your voice and your actions are united with thousands or millions of others around the world, we create a movement that is inclusive, impactful, and impossible to ignore.

Every Earth Day can drive a year of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to create a new plan of action for our planet.” (EARTHDAY.ORG)

We are accustomed to the conveniences of modern life, quick and easy access to products, that are often in disposable wrappings. It has become known that for that for the most part recycling isn’t really happening as well as the incredibly harmful effects of plastics on our environment, ocean life, humans and our planet.

“The Global Plastic Treaty is an opportunity for the United Nations and Governmental Organizations to prove the health of the planet and its citizens take priority over an industry threatening the health of every human on Earth.”

“Most importantly, though, it is a chance for our world to come together as one, and truly pledge and commit themselves to restoring the planet, following the model of the successful international cooperation found in the Montreal Protocol.”

“The Global Plastics Treaty has the potential to end plastic pollution, protect human health, and lead to a waste-free world. We cannot allow our governments to waste this pivotal opportunity.” (earthday.org)

Tips on how we each can help in small ways that can have a huge impact if we all do our part.

REDUCE

Reduce your own plastic waste. Start by using our plastic calculator to track how much you use — then you can take steps to reduce your use and waste. https://www.earthday.org/plastic-pollution-calculator-2/

REUSE

Always choose quality and durability over convenience. Single-use bags, cups, and other products usually cost you more in the long term — and definitely cost our planet.

RECYCLE

Find the plastics you no longer need and dispose of them properly. If you can, replace them with long-lasting options.

TIPS

Bring your own reusable shopping and produce bags to markets, and avoid using single-use plastic bags.

Bring your own reusable coffee cup when going out to get beverages.

Like sipping through straws? Get a durable stainless steel, glass, or bamboo one to use instead of wasteful plastic ones.

Instead of buying water in plastic bottles, invest in a water filter and trusty water bottle(s). Bonus: it’s cheaper in the long run.

Make your own reusable cloth bags from old t-shirts, using basic sewing skills (or no sewing at all). (Find simple instructions online). https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/make_a_diy_t-shirt_tote_bag.pdf

Choose clothing and other personal items made from earth-friendly materials instead of microfibers and other synthetic fibers, which pollute our water. (Even more ways to green your style.) https://www.earthday.org/2018/04/25/earth-friendly-fashion-guide-14-ways-to-green-your-style/

Bring a reusable container to a restaurant with you when you expect to have leftovers.

Instead of bulky laundry detergent bottle use laundry strips. There a various products on the market, I happen to use strips Tru Earth https://tru.earth/ (Liz)

Instead of bulky fabric softeners bottles  try wool balls in your dryer, they are great! (Liz)

Earth Day will be celebrated on April 22 this year. Wishing you a blessed Earth Day!

Shared by Liz Sorensen Wessel

Photo by Chrissy Maio (my gifted niece)