There was a time in the United States in which all sorts of pollution was scattered across the environment. Skies filled with haze from air pollution were considered normal and the ozone layer developed a dangerous hole.
In 1969, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson came up with an idea for a national “teach-in” to educate Americans about the environment. His ultimate goal was to raise awareness to pressure his fellow legislators into addressing environmental concerns. That idea evolved into Earth Day, which began on April 22, 1970.
By recycling, conserving water, and using long-lasting light bulbs, you can make a difference every day of the year. Today, you can celebrate Earth Day with these budget-friendly tips.
Plant Wisely: Look for plants local to your climate that are capable of growing well with minimal fertilization and pesticides. Healthy ones are less vulnerable to insects and diseases when you water them properly and use organic fertilizers.
Take Advantage of Composting: You might not give a second thought to throwing out leftovers. But by recycling food scraps, you can use them to enrich soil and plants. Lawn clippings and fallen leaves are also a good source of fertilizer.
Grow Vegetables From Scraps: Don’t throw aways those scraps of fruits and vegetables—including lettuce, celery, beans, avocados, tomatoes, pineapple, ginger, garlic, and mushrooms. Instead, you can plant them and grow new food for free.
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Water Strategically: Early morning watering during the warmest time of year allows water to seep into the soil and minimizes evaporation. Drought resistant plantings can also save water since you’ll need less of it to keep them healthy.
Plant Trees: Trees play an essential role in keeping the environment healthy. They extract carbon dioxide from the air all day and release oxygen at night. Trees also provide food and protection for wildlife and add shade to your surroundings.
Use a Rain Barrel: Catching and storing rainwater can help conserve this precious resource, while also lowering your water bill. It can then be used to nourish your garden and potted plants.
Invest in Electric Gardening Equipment: Gasoline-powered mowers, leaf blowers or lawn edgers require fuel to operate, which can be expensive and bad for the environment. You’ll emit fewer toxic gasses into the air and avoid the need to store a dangerously flammable liquid in your home by going electric.
Shrink Your Lawn: Did you know that grass is the single most watered plant in the nation? When you stop and think about it, it makes sense. We spend an amazing amount of money to water our lawns. Reducing its size with paving stones, hardy ground cover, or even artificial turf will save water, as well as reduce your use of pesticides and fertilizer.
Join a Community Garden: Connect with others in the neighborhood to grow different vegetables and fruits and share the results. You’ll spend less money on produce; help preserve the environment and bond with your neighbors.
These are just a few budget-friendly tips you can use to celebrate Earth Day. Here’s one more idea; get your family involved. Kids love planting and watching things grow. It’s also a good way to spend time together as a family to strengthen your ties, even as you help make the world a better place in which to live.
