Celebrate Earth Day April 22 – and Every Day!
By Michele McKay

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 and for the past 38 years it has been a regular observance worldwide. Earth Day provides an annual opportunity to celebrate our planet and renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world. You don’t have to wait until April 22 to help the Earth – good environmental citizenship is a year-round practice! The single most important step an individual can take to reduce global warming is to adopt a vegetarian diet. Making eco-friendly choices, reducing waste, saving energy, and cutting water use are other everyday steps you can take toward a sustainable Hawaii and a healthy planet. Go veggie and leave a light footprint on the Earth!

Make Eco-friendly Choices

• Go veggie! A vegetarian diet is the single most important way to help the planet.
• Buy organic products to support non-toxic, natural farming methods.
• Use earth-friendly cleaners and natural alternatives to harmful pesticides.
• Dispose of hazardous waste (paint, motor oil, batteries, chemicals, etc) properly.
• Enjoy balloon-free parties to prevent litter and harm to marine or terrestrial wildlife.
• Invest in environmentally responsible mutual funds or companies.
• Learn about local and global environmental issues; be an active, informed citizen.
• Volunteer for a local environmental group – have fun and be empowered!

Curb Waste

• Reuse bags and containers for your purchases, lunches, and take-out; buy in bulk.
• Avoid Styrofoam and other disposables; choose durable, reusable household items.
• Get off junk mail lists by contacting  dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html
• Use rechargeable batteries – each one replaces dozens of throwaways.
• Recycle paper and containers; compost your garbage; “greencycle” (visit opala.org).
• Buy recycled – look for the green “chasing arrows” to support the reuse of waste.
• Buy only what you need; shop second hand; donate unwanted goods for reuse.

Save Energy

• Turn off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use; replace A/C with a fan; clean filters regularly; cut down on computer/TV time; lower water heaters to 120.
• Select cold water when washing clothes; dry clothes in the sun, using a line or rack.
• Purchase Energy Star® rated appliances to reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
• Cut down on driving – carpool, walk, bike, or take public transportation instead.
• Keep cars tuned up and tires properly inflated; purchase fuel-efficient cars.
• Install solar water and energy systems if possible.
• Buy local – it cuts transportation fuel consumption while supporting local farmers.
• Plant shade trees outside your home to reduce the temperature inside.

Cut Water Use

• Take short showers; install water-saving showerheads.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving; fix dripping faucets and toilets.
• Fill a gallon bottle with water and put it in the toilet tank to displace water.
• Landscape with drought-tolerant plants and mulch; properly adjust all sprinklers.

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