The Greenwich Land Trust's Conservation Council created the following list in time for Earth Day. Here are 10 easy ways you and your family can help save the planet.
It takes a lot of natural resources to produce the electricity and other types of energy that makes our lives so much easier. Reducing your use of electricity and conserving other natural resources helps reduce the burden on our planet to supply coal, natural gas, and oil.
TAKE A SHORTER SHOWER
Every two minutes you save on your shower can conserve more than ten gallons of water! Plus, it takes costly energy to warm that water.
PLANT A TREE
Ask your parents to help you select and plant a tree. It's good for the air, and its shade can save energy normally used for cooling your house.
USE BOTH SIDES OF PAPER
Seriously, how hard is this!? Then, recycle it when you are finished with it!
WRAP GIFTS CREATIVELY
Set aside a drawer for old bows, wrapping paper, and decorative tags. Reuse these items -it saves a lot of money, is easy and fun!
GIVE IT AWAY
Before you throw something away, consider if someone else might need it. Many charities will pick things up from your front door!
USE RAGS OR HAND TOWELS INSTEAD OF PAPER TOWELS
Much of our paper products are made from virgin trees. Save hundreds of pounds of paper a year doing this!
BUY PRODUCTS MADE FROM OTHER RECYCLED PRODUCTS
This is a great way to eliminate waste, and it also encourages businesses to make their products from recycled goods!
TURN OFF THE WATER WHILE YOU ARE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH
You can save thousands of gallons of water every year by doing this one simple thing!
GET YOUR OWN REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Use it all the time in place of bottled water.
ASK YOUR PARENTS TO HELP YOU START A COMPOST PILE
Over half of our non-recyclable trash can be used for compost! Eliminate excess waste and create a great source of garden and houseplant fertilizer! Better yet, use it to start your own flower or kitchen garden!