By: Ali Niefield

Edited By: Brady Brooks

Earth Day Tips and Tricks!

For us, everyday is Earth Day! This year we have decided to dedicate our time to give you some useful tips on how to get involved and save our planet. With the help of each and every one of us, there is hope of reverting the negative changes we have seen come to light in recent years. Here are some tips to make a difference in light of this special day.

Wash your laundry in cold water

Did you know that about 90% of the energy your washing machine uses goes towards heating water? In order to save that energy, try washing your clothes with cold water instead! If you wash your clothing in cold water it not only saves energy, but it can also remove many stains while hot water shrinks, fade, or wrinkle clothing. Next time, stop and think about the effects of cold vs warmer water and make the change!

Forget the plastic straws

It’s time to ditch the plastic straws, people! Did you know that Americans use nearly 500 million plastic straws every day? Not only do these straws effect our “on land” environment, but they also have a deep impact our ocean life as well. In fact, a study showed that 100% of tested sea turtles had ingested plastic. Thankfully, we have made various reusable straws to help this problem. Many are now made from stainless steel, silicone, or bamboo! Not only will the environment be impacted positively for these investments, but the ocean will thank you too. 

Unsubscribe from junk mail

Everyone still gets that piece of mail that makes them think, “how did I end up on this list?” It is not uncommon to look at that piece of perfectly wrapped mail only to realize it has no importance to you, and then to toss it. It’s time to save some time, effort, and some trees and finally remove yourself from that mailing list! If you need information on how to easily and effectively do so, visit https://www.ecocycle.org/junkmail for six easy steps!

Switch to E-books

What is portable, lightweight, accessible anywhere, and has shareable content? E-books! There might be some satisfaction of turning the page, but there is also something to be said for the movement of swiping your hand across the screen. According to one lifecycle analysis of print books versus e-readers, the energy, water and raw materials needed to make a single e-reader is equal to that of 40 to 50 books. In terms of the effect on climate, the emissions created by a single e-reader are equal to roughly 100 books. So, the next time you want to pick up a book, try seeing if the ebook is available and remember the impact you will be making!