Today, April 22, is the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day. Countries worldwide recognize Earth Day to demonstrate support for environmental protection, and more than 192 countries celebrate Earth Day every year.
Earth Day offers an excellent chance to consider many opportunities to green lifestyles, celebrate the natural beauty of the region and have fun outside while seeing how you can make a difference to support your community.
In addition to bringing your own bags to the grocery store and thermoses to the coffeeshop, turning off the faucets while you brush your teeth or shave, and making sure the lights are off when you leave a room (which you all do already... right?), here are some fun things to consider next week to save money and resources and protect what makes this region great.
- Take this fun animated quiz to calculate your Ecological Footprint. The quiz breaks down your habits by food choices, shelter, and transportation, and offers suggestions at its conclusion for lessening your environmental impact.
- Come to a brown bag lunch at the Metro Regional Center about the future of reducing, reusing and recycling from DEQ analyst David Allaway.
- Consider pay-as-you-drive car insurance – insurance that rewards you for driving less with a lower monthly payment. As the weather improves, will you be riding your bike more and leaving your car at home? Pay-as-you-drive can reflect this choice and reward you for it.
- Another way to cut the miles you drive, thereby lessening congestion and emissions, is to carpool. Visit Metro's Drive Less Connect to match rides with others who have similar destinations for work or recreation, and make new friends to talk with about how you are saving the environment together.
- If you live in the southwest part of the region, you can learn about land use and transportation plans for the future at a Southwest Corridor Plan Steering Committee meeting.
- With sunny days predicted for next week, reaching highs in the 80s, enjoy a picnic or barbeque out of doors – and remember to bring reusable containers, plates, and utensils. You can even head to Metro's Oxbow Regional Park for a get-together!
- Another fun sunny day activity? Metro's Natural Gardening Program can help you create a safe, healthy garden in your home.
- Staying inside for some spring cleaning? Check out Metro's tips for healthy spring cleaning.
Earth Day is also a perfect time to get out enjoy the amazing nature that makes our region so special.