How to celebrate Earth Day

The house that you live in is a special place. You probably do everything to keep it safe and pleasant. Do you do the same for the planet that you live on? Maybe not always.

April 22 is Earth Day! This day is dedicated to celebrate the planet's environment and raise awareness about pollution. It is celebrated worldwide every year on April 22. 

This year our CSL donation pickup team wants to share why Earth Day is celebrated and some fun ways to celebrate Earth Day!

THE HISTORY OF EARTH DAY

The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970. This day was first proposed by Gaylord Nelson, Senator of Wisconsin. He was inspired to dedicate a day to the Earth after a large oil spill in Santa Barbara in 1969. This motivated him to educate the public about the importance of protecting the environment. 

Thanks to Earth Day, the general public showed their support for the Environmental Protection Agency. It also contributed to passing environmental protection laws like the Clean Air Act, the Water Quality Improvement Act and the Endangered Species Act. However, it was not until 1990 that Earth Day went global and was celebrated by dozens of countries. 

WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

Plant a tree 

If you are looking for an activity that the whole family can do together, consider planting a tree. Trees provide many benefits for the environment. They take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Not to mention, trees also help preserve the water levels in the soil.  So head to your local nursery and find a tree. 

Start to use recyclable bags

Love it or hate it but going to the grocery store is necessary. Did you know the way you carry your groceries home affects the planet? Using plastic grocery bags is harmful to the environment. It is estimated that 100,000 to 1 million sea animals die each year due to trying to eat a plastic bag. That is why it is suggested to use recyclable bags instead of plastic bags.

Breakup with plastic water bottles

Did you know that the way you drink water also impacts the planet? If you drink water from plastic bottles, you may be harming the environment. MSLK reports that out of the 50 million water bottles bought each year - 80 percent of them end up in landfills. Switch your plastic water bottles for a reusable water bottle. 

Donate unused things 

Throughout the years, you and your family have probably accumulated a lot of things. If you are thinking about decluttering, do not toss your stuff into the trash. Save the environment by donating them to a local thrift store.

It is reported that 85 percent of used textiles end up in landfills. This is harmful to the environment because it can take over 200 years for those materials to decompose in landfills. 

One smart solution is to donate them to local thrift stores. You pack the clothes, furniture or home items you no longer need and take them to a bin or store. Some thrift stores, like Thrift World, can also do at-home donation pick-ups for free.

SCHEDULE YOUR CSL DONATION PICKUP TODAY!

At Thrift World, we are partnered up with the Community Services League. Together, we collect item donations in stores, through bins around the community and donation pickups. You can schedule your donation pick-up here or find a bin near you.