This Friday, April 22, is Earth Day. To celebrate, we want to challenge you during this time of climate change to do something a little bit different. Take our quiz and then take our challenge. Let me explain.
This week, consider taking the Living Lab Pledge. First, we are not saying sign your name to a list of something publicly. Rather, we are asking you to do something personal for you to make the planet better. You are doing something small that will have a BIG impact. Simply do something unique each day that will be beneficial for our environment. It could be something small each day or something even bigger. And for those who are feel comfortable we want you to share it on social using the hashtag #LivingLabPledge.
We are sharing a few ideas below for how you can participate and do something good for the planet this Earth Day. While these are just a few ideas, we would love to hear and see all the exciting ideas and even the ideas you have created that blow ours away this week. So here goes:
Plant a tree. Did you know there are environmental and economic benefits to planting trees? Yes. As trees grow, they help the climate by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing it in trees, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. One tree can take in more than one ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime. They can also save “green” in your pocketbook. Trees can reduce cooling costs in the summer if placed well and ultimately reduce the energy we use. Trees can also provide food and nutrients to families.
Ride your bide instead. Riding your bike instead of driving cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions and reduces air pollutants. We saw the impact of this when people in mass stayed home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy-related emissions declined by roughly 7%. Biking also offers health benefits and economic benefits. While gas prices in some areas are showing signs of dipping, the national average still hovers just above $4 per gallon. Protect the planet and save some money by biking around town this week.
Switch off your faucet while brushing your teeth. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save up to three or four gallons of water per person per day. Take a step further and switch off your water in between washing and drying the dishes.
Pick up garbage in your neighborhood. As the northern states thaw from winter, this offers the perfect opportunity to walk around with friends or family and pick up the trash that was buried by snow.
Check your vehicle’s tire pressure for greater fuel efficiency. The U.S. Dept. of Energy suggests that for every 1 psi missing from your car’s set of four tires, you lose 0.1% of your gas mileage. Perhaps this is a good week to check that out.
Take our quiz. If you know the answers to these questions below, tell us on social using the hashtag #LivingLabPledge. We will share the answers in a blog on Wednesday. Here is the quiz.
- When was the first Earth Day?
- When did Earth Day go global?
- How many individuals have taken action?
- How many countries are engaged?
- Why did it start?
What would you add? What are you doing for Earth Day this week? Take our #LivingLabPledge and share what you are doing on social media!
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