Earth Day 2017: What You Can Do

The 47th annual Earth Day is on Saturday, April 22nd this year, and each year marks the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. After the publication of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, the world became more concerned and aware with the way they were treating the planet and how all the chemicals being utilized were truly impacting their health. The first Earth Day was a public demonstration that called for a more sustainable way of living along with the right to public health in terms of environmental conditions. Today, Earth Day remains a reminder of all we’ve overcome in terms of policy work and fighting for a cleaner world to live in, and all the work we still have to do. This Earth Day, here are five things you can do to celebrate and help make a change.

1. Take action!

This year’s Earth Day campaign is for environmental and climate literacy: a call for education of the environment to be integrated into more programs. You can donate to the cause on the Earth Day website.  

2. Take advantage of the Zero-Sort recycling on campus.

Whether you live in the dorms and have access to the Zero-Sort dumpster or you’re off campus and eat regularly in the union, use Zero-Sort! So much more of what you throw out can actually be placed in those bins to be recycled. It takes minimal effort to make a huge difference every day.

3. Take the pledge to stop using disposable plastic.

I know, I know. As college students, it’s way easier to use plastic cups, plates and silverware that you can easily throw away and never think about again. But think about this: how much money are you wasting on these utensils that could go to something more useful (like OHOP and beer)? Steal some of your parents’ real dishes, wash them when you’re done and stop buying the plastic.

4. Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz!

Follow this link: http://www.earthday.org/take-action/footprint-calculator/ to find out your ecological footprint. It’ll tell you how many Earths would be needed to accommodate people if everyone lived like you, the number of global acres of Earth’s productive area and your footprint by the numbers.

5. Enjoy the day!

While the weather doesn’t look promising, don’t let a little rain stop you from going out on a hike or enjoying some fresh air. Post your favorite picture of the outdoors on Instagram and spread the word about Earth Day!

Photos: 1, 2

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