Earth Day is Everyday

Today is Earth Day! To many April 22, 2011 is just another day. To people who care about the environment, today marks the day to celebrate the earth and make a commitment to make lifetime changes to change our environmental impact.

Here are 5 simple things you can do to make everyday earth day:

1. Recycle
 Recycle your clothing, books,  plastics and aluminum cans to conserve energy and resources. If you don’t recycle aluminum cans or plastic water bottles you can collect them and donate to a local organizations in your neighborhood that collects & recycles cans (ie churches, schools, nonprofits).  Instead of using grocery store plastic bags purchase reusable bags or bring your own. Recycle your furniture by donating gently used furniture to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army.

2. Turn “OFF” the switch
Take the time to turn off unneeded lights in the rooms you are not occupying. Turn off and unplug kitchen appliances and computers when they are not in use.

3. Replace regular light bulbs
The average U.S. household has more than 40 sockets for light bulbs, ranging from table lamps to ceiling fixtures.  If you are using the regular incandescent light bulbs in your home, change to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFL light bulbs cost a bit more, but last longer and use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs.

4.  ENERGY STAR Products
When you need to purchase new kitchen appliances, computers, electronics or other household items, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR products.  Purchase low flow faucets or consider installing ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment.  ENERGY STAR products can help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment.

5. Conserve Natural Resources
The average family of four can use 400 gallons of water every day, and, on average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors.   Reduce the amount of water usage by making simple changes to daily routines.  Reduce the amount of water you use by buying low water plants that are eco friendly.  Check your water consumption with water consumption calculator.

The average person uses about 50 gallons of gas every month.  Consider carpooling, riding your bike or consolidating errands into one trip when running errands.

The average American uses seven trees a year in paper, wood, and other products made from trees.  Plant a tree and save the earth. Save trees by going paperless.  Instead of purchasing a new book, consider purchasing the ebook or borrowing it from your local library.  Go 100% paperless in 2011 by using online banking or paying your bills online.

Earth Day is EveryDay.

Let’s talk about it.

What energy saving tips do you recommend to make earth day every day?

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