Each year, beginning in 1970, we recognize Earth Day on April 22 and demonstrate support for environmental protection.Â
This past year we’ve had dolphins returning to the coastline of Italy, air pollution levels drastically dropping around the world, and nature beginning to heal itself. Now, we take a good look at just how big our impact is on our planet this Earth Day and learn how we can rebuild the issues that we have both knowingly and naively neglected.
We have dozens of initiatives in order to make impactful changes, but where do we start?
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Ride a Bike
For those who can, riding a bike cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. It also reduces noise pollution, congestion, and your ecological footprint creating a healthier space for vegetation and wildlife.
In addition to helping the environment, it also provides healthy daily exercise and saves you money!
Switch to Eco-Friendly Products
When shopping, you can find eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products such as bamboo toothbrushes, single-use wood cutlery for parties, glass or bamboo straws, and reusable snack and grocery bags.
By choosing products that use compostable or reusable materials, you are greatly reducing your carbon emissions and waste. Not to mention, finding accredited and certified food labels that help the planet using sustainable and trusted methods.
Use a Refillable Water Bottle
As convenient as it is to purchase water in plastic bottles, 1,500 plastic water bottles are being used every second in the United States alone – most of which end up in landfills, taking approximately 450 years to decompose.
According to pelacase.com, “Plastic waste is projected to increase by approximately 20% over the next 30 years, with almost half reaching landfills or the environment.” You can help cut back on the world’s plastic crisis by switching to a reusable glass or aluminum water bottle.
Get Outdoors
Life has a way of keeping us busy and we tend to prioritize work and screen time over getting outside. You can spend more time outdoors and learn about Earth’s astonishing creatures by visiting places like the TRR wildlife sanctuary for an Educational Walk. To celebrate, Toucan Rescue Ranch is offering a 25% off discount on all tours, onsite and virtual, for Earth Week! Only good from April 19 – April 26. Limited spaces available and a reservation is required! To book click here!
So, here at Toucan Rescue Ranch, we encourage you to spend time outdoors this Earth Day! Begin doing things that will positively impact the future of our planet and everything it is home to. Every choice we make as individuals does make a greater impact as a whole. It is time to start thinking about Earth, so we can call it home for many more years to come.
References:
How long does it take for plastic to degrade? (2020, May 9). Pelacase.Com. https://pelacase.com/blogs/news/does-plastic-degradeScholtus, P. (2020, May 12).
The US Consumes 1500 Plastic Water Bottles Every Second, a Fact by Watershed. Treehugger.Com. https://www.treehugger.com/the-us-consumes-plastic-water-bottles-every-second-a-fact-by-watershed-4858111
About the writer:Â Chelsey is a 23-year-old graphic designer and photographer from Kansas. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with and photographing wildlife, and traveling whenever possible. She is currently working with the Toucan Rescue Ranch in Costa Rica for 6 months where she will be assisting with media, fundraising, and education. Once complete, she hopes to pursue a career in marketing for wildlife conservation.
