Happy Earth Day! Our family is big on conserving water, recycling, and saving our planet, so spreading the word about improving the environment on Earth Day is one of our favorite practices.

Living on this Earth is an incredible privilege. Our clean air, water, and natural resources need to preserved and protected as much as possible.

Why We Need to Do Our Part

Every day, the situation gets worse and worse when it comes to the state of our planet. A lot of this waste is preventable, and although it might seem like we can’t change a lot on our own, when we work together as a community, we can make a BIG difference.

Facts about pollution and the Earth

• 220 million tons of waste being generated in the U.S. alone each year.
• 55% of trash ends up in one of 3,500 landfills.
• Each day the U.S. throws away enough trash to fill 63,000 garbage trucks.
• Average Americans use 650 pounds of paper a year.
• There are about  51 billion pieces of litter found on roadways (that’s approximately 6,729 items per mile – yikes.)
• Litter cleanup costs the U.S. more than $11.5 billion each year.

These are some alarming facts – the good news is, I’m about to share some specific steps you can take with your family to help!

3 Things You Can Do to Keep Earth Clean

#1. Reverse litter!

The Ten on Tuesday tradition was launched in 2015 in North Texas to help keep our roads, waterways, and parks clean – and even if you’re not in Texas, this is a great idea for your own community!

It’s simple – you can join over 18,686 people who have taken the pledge and start picking up 10 pieces of trash or recyclables every Tuesday. Consider it your gift to nature.

#2. Follow the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!)

Reduce

• Use fewer paper towels and napkins by using cloth napkins, dishtowels and sponges in the kitchen and dining room.
• Avoid using disposable goods (paper plates, cups, etc.)

Reuse

• Bring a “no garbage” lunch to school: use reusable containers, bags, and a thermos.
• Refill your old water bottle and use it again.
• Turn your trash into art – be creative!

Recycle

• Collect and recycle materials like metal cans, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and plastics.
• Use items that have been recycled and/or are recyclable.

#3. Become involved in your community!

• Attend an Earth Day celebration (find one near you). 
• Donate $1 to plant a tree.
• Watch an Earth-friendly movie with your family. My favorites include Wall-E, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, and Happy Feet. They all teach important lessons on protecting our world.

With that, I wish you a wonderful Earth Day and I know that together, we can make a big difference, and a better world! Are there any tips you’d like to add on keeping our Earth safe and beautiful?

Elyssa