Earth Day 2019: simple ways to protect our species
What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on?” ~Henry David Thoreau
Yesterday was Earth Day, or International Mother Earth Day, as it is known in some parts of the world. Whatever you choose to call it, this annual event is an important time to check in with ourselves and make an honest assessment of how we are treating this planet that is our home.
If you’re like me, this can be a little uncomfortable. By nature, we are consumers that take more than we give. I’ve grown used to—even dependent upon—many things that take a toll on our environment. I love the freedom my car gives me. I rely on my many appliances and electronic gadgets. How I relish my seemingly-endless stream of clean, running water. Let’s not even start on the countless conveniently-packaged items I purchase during my weekly trips to the grocery store.
We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.” ~Barbara Ward
Baby steps
Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting we go back to the Stone Age, and I am certainly not trying to guilt you into making huge life-altering lifestyle changes. There are, however, small steps we can take that, when multiplied, make a big difference.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~Margaret Mead
Last year in celebration of Earth Day, I committed to making three such small changes. And while I presented them as “three easy ways to respect and protect Mother Earth,” to be perfectly honest, at the time (selfish as I am), they felt like pretty significant sacrifices.
- I commit to declining the straw when I eat at a sit-down restaurant. That’s one less piece of plastic that must be disposed of somewhere. (I later amended this to declining all plastic straws. I carry a metal straw with me.)
- I commit to packing washable utensils in my lunches, rather than relying on the disposable plastic utensils provided at the office. That’s another piece of plastic not in the landfill.
- I commit to being idle-free. That means when I go to the bank, Starbucks, or any other take-out, I’ll park my car and walk in whenever feasible. When it’s not feasible, I will turn off my engine while I’m in line.
And guess what? I made the changes and surprised myself at how quickly I adapted and even expanded these commitments. These habits are second nature to me now. I don’t even think about them, which means I’m ready to take on three more steps.
Earth Day 2019: Protect our Species
The international theme for Earth Day 2019 is “Protect our Species.” According to the Earth Day Network, the world is facing a mass extinction of species, with all species declining at a rate that hasn’t been matched in 60 million years, since the dinosaurs. Much of this destruction is driven by human activity.
When we think about that, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and turn away from the problem—to tell ourselves that there is nothing we can personally do to fix things. When I catch myself thinking like that, I go back to the baby steps. Instead of worrying about what I can’t (or won’t yet) do, I ask myself: What can I do now? What am I willing to commit to today? Here’s what I came up with:
- I commit to unplugging appliances when not in use. By consuming less power, I can reduce power plant emissions, conserve natural resources, and protect ecosystems. Here’s how it helps.
- I commit to turning off the water while I wash my hands. Every species on Earth needs water to survive, and the fresh water supply is limited. Check out this Water Conservation 101 infograhic for the hows and whys.
- I commit to trying coral-safe sunscreen. I had no idea that sunscreen is killing coral and reefs. I’m not giving up this important part of sun safety, but evidently, there are some better alternatives to the sunscreens I’ve been using.
Those are my commitments for the coming year. They may be just drops in the bucket—they certainly won’t save the planet by themselves—but it’s a start, and these are the small steps to which I know I can and will commit.
Your turn
If we all make even one small change, there is sure to be a shift in a positive direction. Is there something you can do today to protect our environment? Will you? Please share in the comments. If you’re short on ideas, I found some good ones in this article, 40 Unexpected Ways You Can Help the Environment Right Now.
One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” ~Leo Tolstoy
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I love this! Thanks for sharing! I’ve been trying to decrease my plastic use over the last little while. We use reusable straws and grocery bags, but I wanted to up my game, so this gives me some good ideas!
I have recently started unplugging appliances as well, but it was more for safety. I’m glad to know it will help the environment too.
I used to store leftovers in ziplock bags. And while I still do this sometimes, I’m trying to switch to using a tupperware container whenever possible.
I got a safe for the ocean sunscreen last year (Alba brand from Costco), but I wasn’t sure if that was only helpful if your visiting the ocean, or if it’s beneficial in Utah as well. Do you know?
Liz
I figure every little bit helps. While I still use some disposables, I’ve definitely decreased consumption over the last year. Regarding the sunscreen, the article I read said that sunscreen gets in the ocean through shower drains as well, but I’m not sure if that only applies to locations near the ocean. However, I figured it can’t hurt, and it sounds as if the sunscreen that is safer for the ocean is also better for humans. Win-win.
We can all learn from each other on how best to do this. I think the US is probably one of the most wasteful countries there is, not seeming to care about the environment as much as they/we should. Other countries I’ve traveled to appear to have more positive attitudes about it.
I don’t have any statistics to back me up, but my gut feeling is that the US probably is more wasteful than a lot of other countries. I hope that is changing. I’m trying to do my part in small everyday ways that add up over time.
Sunscreen is harmful to coral reefs? I had no idea! I will join you in the sunscreen quest
I commit to using my metal straws I have. They are in my purse, unused. I am pretty good when I’m at restaurants declining straws. Why do they give you straws when you’re drinking water?
I am going to do better at recycling.
Love your post!
This was the first I’d heard of the dangers to coral reef from sunscreen too. I looked at several reputable sources, and they all confirmed it is true. I’ve ordered my first tube of mineral (versus chemical) sunscreen. I wanted to try it before our trip to Mexico this June. I’ll let you know how it works. Good luck with the recycling. I could do a little better in that department too.
All so very true. I ditched the straws and I am trying to reuse plastic cups and such. I always bring my bags to the store and I am driving way less. It is just a little but I need to get better. #MLSTL
Those are all great steps, Patrick. I figure every little bit helps. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your efforts.
I didn’t realise it was Earth Day yesterday but what a lovely thoughtful post! There’s some great ideas here that wouldn’t be too difficult to incorporate into our lives and as you say collectively make a big difference! You know, it wasn’t until I was on holiday (a cruise) and we had a day trip to the island of Lifou, New Calendonia that I discovered that sunscreen was harming coral reefs. We went to swim at Baie de Jinek and no swimming was allowed unless you were sunscreen free … which drastically reduced the time you could be out there because the sun was so hot and harsh! I never knew before that. Love your ideas to help protect our environment – sharing on FB for #MLSTL 🙂
That’s interesting, Min. That’s the first I’ve heard of a no sunscreen rule. I understand that more places near the ocean are banning the sale of certain types of sunscreen. Like you, I never even knew this was a problem until now.
Wonderful commitments Christie – and I love that they’re so doable and practical and applicable to how you live – so you really will make a difference. We had solar panels installed on our roof last year, and it’s nice to be able to use more power that doesn’t harm the environment. We have a rainwater tank for drinking water and that’s a lovely ‘free from nature’ bonus too. Thanks for the reminder that we can all make a difference.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
I imagine solar panels are quite effective in a sunny place like Australia. They are becoming more popular where I live as well. You are the first person I know that has a rainwater tank, though. I love it!
I love this Christie and I’m ashamed to say I didn’t even realise it was Earth Day. Your commitments are a very good example. We have moved and whilst we still have two cars at the moment, I’m only using mine once or twice a week as I walk everywhere or catch the light rail. My daughter and SIL are very conscious of the environment and are teaching the sons to be the same. They all have water bottles that they carry with them at all times plus reusable coffee cups. It is great that coffee shops now encourage you to bring your own cup and refill it rather than using plastic or paper cups. I clean my teeth without the water running and we don’t each much packaged food although there is always room for improvement. Thank you for reminding us to take care of our precious planet. #MLSTL.
Good luck with the move, Sue. I hope you are settling in well. Walking and taking light rail are huge steps in my mind. I’m still pretty dependent on my car, but do try to plan errands in a way that minimizes the trips. I do carry a reusable water bottle. Next goal, I will consider ditching the disposable coffee cups. I have grown accustomed to the mobile order and pay since I gave up the drive-through and that doesn’t accommodate reusable cups. But, once again, it probably wouldn’t take much to adjust my schedule to allow time to order inside. It’s all a matter of priority. Thanks for, once again, getting me thinking.
Your actions are admirable Christie, and we are all so much more aware of plastics and what we can be doing to help the environment. I had to re read your idle-free comment as I didn’t understand it referred to being in a car! Great tips and well done! #mlstl
The idle comment made me laugh Deb. Yes, idle-free only applies to my car. I’m still conserving energy by idling on the couch on occasion! 🙂
I love this Earth Day post Christie. As someone who lives off the grid I do understand how important it is for us to reduce our footprint on the world. You might think your commitments are small but if everybody made one small commitment it would result in a huge commitment. #MLSTL Will share
Thank you Jennifer. You are a great example for all of us when it comes to preserving our planet.
Hi Christie,
Such an inspiring post and thank you for doing what you can do. I wish more were like you, including myself.
I have thought about the unplugging thing. I heard even if stuff is plugged in, it’s still uses some electricity. Weird, right? But wow! That’s a lot of work! I guess with time, you get accustomed to it and other changes, right?
I do what I can but I know there is definitely more I can do. Thank you for the inspiration. Sharing it on my networks. 😉
As far as unplugging, I’ve started with the simple stuff, like my phone and computer chargers, my electric toothbrush, my diffuser–things where I can reach the plugs without too much trouble. My bedside lamp is plugged in behind my bed. I can’t reach it without moving the bed, so it stays plugged in. Anything with a clock stays plugged in. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.
Absolutely agree! I was just thinking of the things I have plugged into surge protector power strips. Easy way to just push that button on it, no? Or just unplug it. 🙂 It’s a start…
I knew about the sunscreen from numerous cruises we took. Anytime we would snorkel they made sure we had the right sunscreen to not harm the reefs. I have never thought of bringing my metal straw with me, this is a good idea.
It’s good to hear that cruises are taking responsibility for educating their passengers. I keep my straw in a washable bag in my purse. Then I have it when an opportunity arises.
I started carrying my own silverware for lunch and my food in reusable containers. When I say silverware, I mean actual silver dinnerware. When we moved into my mother’s house, we gave our dinnerware to my son for his first apartment. Now that we need to have our own, the only thing we had was the good silver. We decided to not hide it away to be used just once a year. Next, I need to get some napkins because either they didn’t make it through the move or they’re still packed away somewhere.
I love that you are using actual silverware. As they say, don’t save things for a special occasion–life is the special occasion!
I didn’t know that about sunscreens. What should I be looking for–or what should I be looking to avoid?
This was new to me too, Ellen. From what I’ve been able to determine, the two most dangerous ingredients are oxybenzone and octinoxate. Consumer Reports recommends using a mineral (versus chemical) sunscreen, like California Kids or Active Badger. I haven’t tried either yet, so I can’t make a personal recommendation.
Thank you.
Hi Christie,
Just being mindful and making small changes…
reusable water bottles, not cases of small bottles
biodegradable garbage bags
reusable grocery bags
reduce use of plastics in all forms
buy in bulk; bring your own containers to the store
compost
sort and recycle
Every little step counts.
Those are all important little steps, Nancy. Thanks for sharing.