This Sunday, April 22, marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 to raise awareness of the planet's health. Now, millions of people in more than 175 countries participate in Earth Day activities.
Not up for a grand eco-friendly gesture this weekend? Don’t worry. You can still celebrate and show your support. The simple choices you make every day about what to buy, how to get around and what to do with garbage impacts the community you live in – both now and into the future.
When you recycle, use less-toxic cleaners and reduce your car trips, you not only help keep pollutants out of our air and water, but you also put money back in your wallet.
Here are 10 easy things you can do to keep our air and water clean and save money this Earth Day:
- Turn off the water when brushing teeth and washing hands.
- Get your recycling questions answered by calling Metro's Recycling Information Center at 503-234-3000.
- Replace regular light bulbs with energy-efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Keep a running list of needed items on the fridge, helping you stay organized to avoid multiple trips for errands.
- Try green cleaning recipes.
- Choose tap water over bottled products. It’s just as good and – at less than a penny per gallon – it’s a great bargain.
- Arrange a carpool with friends, neighbors or coworkers to save on gas.
- Reuse and buy pre-owned products before buying new.
- Plan bike, walk and transit trips in any combination instead of driving.
- Pack waste-free lunches by using permanent containers, reusable utensils and cloth napkins.
Earth Day is also a perfect time to get out enjoy the amazing nature that makes our region so special. Show your support by taking a bike ride on the smooth, paved Tonquin Trail at Graham Oaks Nature Park in Wilsonville or going on a bird-watching adventure at Smith and Bybee Wetlands. This 2,000-acre area is home to beaver, river otter, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles.
Or dig into the earth in your own backyard. The gardening season is just starting to heat up. Plant a native plant or plan a small veggie garden with your kids. Both the doing and the eating are big rewards.