Happy Earth Day, Marylanders! Today and every day, there are things we can do to help reduce our impact on the planet and protect the land, air, and water. And the best part? A lot of those things are pretty darn easy. Here's a list of ten ways you can chip in for the planet (and for the beautiful state in which you live) without much effort.
1. Use your tap mindfully. Instead of letting it run while you brush your teeth or was your face, turn it off, and only turn it on when you're actually using the water.
2. Being fully reliant on food you grow yourself is not the easiest thing to do, but growing your own herbs or a few easy veggies like beans can help you reduce what you have to go buy at the store. Growing stuff at home means that no trucks had to transport those items to your grocery store. You can also buy local as often as possible -- Maryland is chock full of farmers markets and local farms.
3. Carpool whenever possible. Instead of all of your friends taking their own cars to the same destination, take turns driving everyone together. If you and a coworker live close by, take turns riding to work together.
4. Turn off and unplug anything you're not using. It only takes a few extra seconds to plug them back in or hit the light switch, and it'll save a lot of energy. Plus, it'll be great for your electric bill!
5. Cut out impulse purchases, especially of plastic doodads. Instead of buying stuff that's just going to end up in a landfill for a million years, shop mindfully. Do you really need it? Will it make your life easier, happier, or safer? If not, skip it. (That's more money in your pocket, too!)
6. Make Meatless Monday a thing. A lot of natural resources like water go into raising animals that will be eaten, but even if you don't want to go full vegetarian (after all, burgers and chicken sandwiches are pretty darn good), you can compromise and cut out meat one or two days a week.
7. Fill your dishwasher and washer up to the brim! Instead of running lots of half loads, only run these energy and water-heavy items when there's a full load to wash. That's less water used overall.
8. Reusable water bottles are super trendy right now, and as long as you're not buying new ones all the time or filling them with bottled water (we see you, Tiktok trends), they're great for the environment. Bring your own water when you're out and about instead of purchasing a single use water bottle.
9. Don't forget your reusable bag. Some counties here in Maryland are no longer providing single-use plastic bags, but even if you don't live in one of them, you can help cut down on plastic waste by bringing reusable plastic or canvas bags to the store. Mr. Trash Wheel will thank you!
10. Plant a tree! Trees are incredible for the environment, and if you have the space in your yard for another, it'll be a good investment in the future. Just be mindful of things like power lines and neighborly boundaries before you plant it.
