Fifty years ago, on April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was held across the United States, as 20 million Americans demonstrated for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.
The first Earth Day led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts.
As a new millennium approached, the environmental movement grew with the power of the Internet.
Earth Day 2000 engaged 5,000 environmental groups in 184 countries. Earth Day 2010 engaged 75,000 partners in 192 countries.
Earth Day is a major moment for the environment, as people around the world take action.
So what can you do to observe Earth Day 2020?
Start at home by reducing consumption and the amount of trash you generate.
Plan your meals and make a grocery list. Only buy what you need or will eat before it goes bad. Try eating a plant-based diet, or limiting meat. Shop the local farmers market for in-season produce.
Avoid single-use items, especially plastic. Buy well-made items that are meant to last. Shop thrift stores instead of buying new.
Compost vegetable and fruit scraps in a backyard bin. Keep yard waste out of landfills by participating in community yard waste composting programs.
Reuse and repair what you can. Learn how to darn socks or mend a rip. Use your creativity to repurpose items. There are lots of ideas on the Internet for upcycling everything from tires to tea cups.
Donate or sell items that are still useful so others can use them. Recycle at home, work, and school. Know what your local program accepts. Most programs will accept the main five materials: paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastic bottles and jugs.
Be sure the things you recycle are empty, clean, dry, and loose. Close the loop and buy items with post-consumer recycled content.
Visit www.bcswmd.com to learn which household hazardous waste items can be taken to the Columbus/Bartholomew Recycling Center for proper disposal. Used motor oil and filters, as well as automotive batteries, can be taken to the Bartholomew County Landfill for proper disposal.
Participate in the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District Adopt A Road program.
Groups of volunteers commit to two roadside clean-ups a year, for two years. Signs posted along the road let drivers know which group cleans that stretch. It’s a great way to give back to the community and helps keep streams and rivers litter free. Visit the BCSWMD website for more information about the Adopt A Road program.
During April, follow Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for Earth Day tips and activities all month long.
