April 22nd is Earth Day, but did you know that the entire month of April has now become Earth Month? So, that gives us thirty days to do our part. Because whether you believe that climate change is man-made or not, we can all agree that our planet is worth protecting. And while most of us can’t make monumental changes on our own, we can all do small things that make a difference. FirstLantic senior solutions of Florida describes five ways that each of us can do our part.

 

1: Eat more plant-based foods

We are not saying you have to give up eating meat but trying to eat more plant-based foods is not only good for you but also for the environment. According to many sources, livestock worldwide accounts for between 14.5 percent and 18 percent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Also, eating plant-based food doesn’t have to be bland. For some great ideas on yummy recipes, try out this new cookbook, Mostly Plants.

 

2: Plant a tree

Whether you plant it yourself or go through one of the many organizations that does, you can help clear the air with each tree that is planted. Not only do trees absorb carbon and other gasses from the atmosphere, but a single mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon a year and make enough clean oxygen for four people to breathe fresh air. In addition, trees protect coastal areas from flooding, they keep soil from drying out and they lead to biodiversity because of the other plants and animals that rely on them.

 

3: Protect biodiversity

There are many organizations devoted to preventing the extinction of species globally like National Geographic but there are also little things that each of us can do to help to ensure biodiversity and it starts right in our own backyard. One very easy thing to do is to encourage native pollinators to your garden. They are the key to reproduction for most flowering plants which are the foundation for the survival of many species on our planet. For more information on pollinators that are native to your state, don’t miss this article.

 

4: Use less plastics

By now we have all heard of the massive plastic junkyard that is filling our oceans and unfortunately it is getting worse. However, there are alternatives to plastics that we can use which will reduce the demand and hopefully help push for more alternatives to be created. Some simple things that you can do to reduce your use of plastic include eliminating straws unless they are paper, bringing your own bag to the grocery store or asking for paper bags, buying boxes instead of bottles for detergents and other products and using matches instead of disposable lighters. All of these things are easy to do and yet in aggregate they can make a real impact. To learn additional ways that you can make a difference, go to the green education foundation >

 

5: Support State and National Parks

The fact is that it is hard to care about nature if you have never been exposed to it. Our State and National Parks exist to protect natural habitat but also to bring people together to experience the majesty of nature. You can support parks by simply visiting but there are also numerous volunteer activities such as citizen scientists or helping to clean up trash or becoming an artist in residence. All of these programs ensure that our parks are thriving places for us to enjoy now and for our children to enjoy in the future. Link:

 

So, no matter what you decide to do, remember that small things can make a big difference. As the organizers of Earth Day 2019 state, “When we come together, the impact can be monumental. Make small changes that add up to making a big difference. Commit to earth-friendly acts and share your acts of green to help educate and inspire others.” Well said.

 

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