It is important to think of every day as earth day. Remember that it is our repeated daily actions that affect the earth.
Water is a precious resource, so use only the water you need, and reuse it when possible.
A buried cistern or rain barrels can save the water from your roof so you can use it instead of drinkable water to irrigate your plants or flush your toilets.
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses use 1/10th as much water as spray or flood irrigation and the water gets to the roots where it is needed rather than evaporating.
Turning off the water while brushing your teeth saves 3 - 5 gallons of water per brushing, saving 3300 – 5500 gallons of water a year.
A low flow shower head can save 2-3 gallons a minute.
Low flush toilets save 3.5 gallons a flush.
Protect your local water source from pollutants, pesticides and garbage.
To reduce air pollution;
Take public transportation, carpool, and plan your day to reduce trips and vehicle emissions.
Make sure the air in your home is healthy. Change your air filters regularly. To learn about indoor air pollutants from indoor energy use and toxins, go to the web site of the Partnership for Clean Indoor Air at: pciaonline.org
Plant a tree or many trees! Trees absorb Carbon Dioxide and emit oxygen so they help solve global warming.
To protect the land;
Learn about composting go to: epa.gov/compost
Learn about 'Greenscaping'! Try it out at home and promote it in your community. EPA's GreenScapes program provides cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for landscaping. epa.gov/GreenScapes
Learn about the native species and the negative effects of non native or invasive plants and animals in the environment. Plant native species in your gardens, encourage important pollinators such as bees and birds by planting gardens full of their favorite plants. Join a team in your community that removes non-native species.
To reduce your energy use;
Choose Energy Star appliances.
The new water saving dishwashers and clothes washers use a fraction of the water to perform the same task as older models. The new washers spin faster which means your clothes are dryer and need less energy to dry.
Take advantage of the PPL rebates before they expire. Go to: pplelectric.com/e-power
Have an energy audit done. Use weather stripping and caulk to seal your home and add insulation.
Reduce your waste;
Reuse or upcycle! Take something that is disposable and transform it into something of greater use and value.
Recycle metals, plastics and paper at your local recycling center.
E-cycle, Recycle and properly dispose of electronic waste such as computers and other gadgets. It is now against the law to not recycle your electronics. Go to: earth911.com to find out where to recycle in your area.
Don't litter! Properly dispose of trash and waste.
Take advantage of medication take-back programs or household hazardous waste collection programs that accept medications, pharmaceuticals, oil, paint and other liquid wastes. Never flush any waste down the toilet.
Share Your Commitment. Educate about the environment.
Raise Awareness!
Learn what you can do, become active in the local Berks & Lehigh Valley Climate Action organization at: local.350.org/berks-lehigh-valley
