Living sustainably is not just a one-day commitment; it’s a daily mindset that we need to focus on beyond Earth Day. Making every day Earth Day doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just means that we have to be mindful and make the best and most sustainable decisions where possible. By integrating sustainable practices into our daily routines, we can collectively make a significant impact on reducing our carbon footprint. From mindful consumption habits to conscious energy use, each small step taken towards sustainability will make a big impact.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Follow the three Rs mantra. Reduce your consumption by only buying what you need, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal to divert waste from landfills.
If you want to help make Earth Day your everyday, remember to dispose of your digital waste properly too. Household items like batteries should never be disposed of in the garbage. Some condos have battery disposal bins or there are services where you can drop them off. Recycle Your Batteries Canada provides details on how you can recycle your batteries properly and provides additional drop off locations if you don’t live in a place with a bin.
You can not only drop off your batteries at Best Buy; you can also drop off select electronics year round for proper disposal. You can also be more sustainable by purchasing their refurbished electronics. Swap and Save is a special event running from Earth Day to May 2. Shoppers can go by their local Best Buy store to trade-in their old tech and cash in on savings off select mobile phones, tablets, wearable tech, vacuums, smart home tech and fan-favourite brands like Dyson, TheraGun, HP and Epson.
Choose Sustainable Products
Look for products that are made from sustainable materials, produced using eco-friendly processes, and packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials. Consider buying from companies that prioritize sustainability and have certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Many people buy cosmetics. Brands like Cheekbone, Guerlain, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty, Hourglass and Estée Lauder all have refillable lipsticks and other beauty products.
Many skin care and soap manufacturers offer refills to use less product. Other brands, including fashion brands, use recycled materials in their clothing. It’s easy to make better choices for the environment and still enjoy your favourite products.
Conserve Energy Beyond Earth Day and Earth Hour
Reduce your energy consumption by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and opting for renewable energy sources like solar or wind power when available. Using LED lights versus incandescent will use less energy and they emit less heat. It’s easy to replace your existing incandescent with LED bulbs.
Eat Sustainably
Make environmentally friendly choices when it comes to food by opting for locally sourced, organic produce, reducing meat consumption (especially beef, which has a high carbon footprint), and minimizing food waste by meal planning and composting. One interesting fact that we learned was that Parmigiano Reggiano is a zero waste cheese. As a natural product, every part of Parmigiano Reggiano—from its one-of-a-kind rind to the cheese itself—is safe for human consumption. Choose fish like wild-caught anchovies, wild-caught cod or farmed Arctic char (yes, you read that correctly). According to the Alaskan Salmon Company, these are the top three most sustainable fish. Look for food that creates less waste or can be used for composting like fresh fruit and vegetables.
Support Sustainable Practices
Vote with your wallet by supporting businesses and organizations that prioritize sustainability, advocate for policies that promote environmental protection, and participate in community initiatives like clean-up events and conservation projects. It’s all of these little things that can make every day Earth Day?
