Facts About Earth Day & Simple Ways You Can Help

On April 22nd the world will come together to celebrate Earth Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting actions that protect our planet.

From reducing waste to conserving water, Earth Day encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to come together to unite real change. This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet. I hope these facts will inspire you to take small but meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.

1) The plastics in our landfills, whether it be single-use water bottles or packaging, break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways, which eventually enter the food chain when ingested by animals.

Let’s… Reduce the number of plastics that end up in our landfill by making small yet impactful changes such as bringing your own reusable bag when shopping and planning ahead so you can avoid single-use plastics.

2) BPA (bisphenol A) is used to make millions of plastic beverage containers, dinnerware, and linings of food cans. The label doesn’t mean it’s free from harmful chemical compounds, in fact it’s considered an endocrine disruptor, which means it can cause adverse health effects. 

Let’s… Invest in stainless steel water bottles and glass food containers. This is especially important if meal-prep and heat up your food often. 

3) Forests are vital for our ecosystems, however over the years they’ve been disappearing by alarming rates. Did you know that 2,000 years ago, 80% of Western Europe was covered by forests? Today, that number is down to only 34%.

Let’s… Support policies that promote forest conservation and vote for leaders that prioritize environmental protection. Also support organizations such as One Tree Planted by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing their message online.

4) A single fleece jacket can shed up to 250,000 microfibres during a single wash. These microfibres from synthetic fabrics then enter our waterways and make up for as much as 85% of human-made material found along the world’s shorelines.

Let’s… Choose clothes made from natural fibres such as linen, cotton, or wool. These fabrics are higher quality, last longer, and don’t contribute to microplastic pollution in waterways. 

5) It is estimated that 1,800 gallons of water is required for producing a single pound of beef. That’s the equivalent of taking 105 eight-minute showers each day. Whereas plant-based meat uses 70-99% less water than conventional meat.

Let’s… Make gradual changes to help reduce the environmental impact by choosing plant-based meals once a week. Have fun experimenting in the kitchen and trying new recipes.

6) One third of the world’s food supply relies on bees. They play a massive role in pollinating the plants that we eat; however, the number of bee species is declining.

Let’s… Educate ourselves and others about bee species and their ecological role. If you have a garden, don’t use harmful chemicals, and consider planting bee-friendly plants and leaving a space where they can build their homes.

Earth Day reminds us that every action, no matter how small, counts toward protecting our planet. Whether it’s reducing energy consumption or supporting eco-friendly initiatives, the choices we make today can shape the future of our environment. I hope these facts have inspired you to think more critically about how you can help. How will you be celebrating Earth Day? I’d love to know.

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