It doesn’t take an environmental science degree to help take care of the Earth. Here are a few ways you can make changes in your home on Earth Day and year round to protect the planet.
Is your bathroom sink or hose out back dripping, but it’s just unnoticeable enough that you can ignore it? The earth will thank you if you address it as soon as possible. Conserving water is an important step to protecting one of earth’s greatest natural resources and making sure everyone in our communities has enough access to fresh drinking water.
Now, we also know water gets recycled, so you may wonder why it’s necessary to conserve. A Slate article explains that while water gets recycled, this process can take a long time — sometimes even hundreds of years — to refill drinking supplies like aquifers. So let’s help not just our neighbors, but future generations stay healthy and hydrated.
There are an endless amount of plants we could stock up our home garden with, but have you ever considered planting ones that are native to the region? Planting native species is important because they best support the native wildlife in our region, from birds to butterflies to bees. That’s because these animals and plants co-developed over thousands of years.
It only takes one look at English ivy — a plant native to Europe and brought over by early colonists to America — to see how harmful invasive species can be in the Pacific Northwest. In Washington, plant greenery like mountain heather, Pacific dogwood, or vine maples to beautify your backyard and support your local ecosystem.
We all want to look our best, but did you know that the fashion industry accounts for 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions? Running through new clothes as fast as changing trends causes a huge amount of waste. Even donated clothes often end up in landfills because supply is greater than demand.
The good news is, you can still be fashionable while protecting the earth. Shop from second-hand stores, either in-person or in many online marketplaces like thredUP or Poshmark. You can also buy clothing that is made from recycled plastic, or t-shirts that are woven from organic cotton. Consider the pieces you do buy as long-term investments, rather than something you might get tired of wearing a year later.
If you’re looking for a safe outdoor activity to partake in with your neighborhood during quarantine, consider organizing a neighborhood trash pickup. Not only will it build community and beautify your home, but it will protect plants, animals, and the waterways from plastics, sharp metals, and other debris. Getting out in your neighborhood will also help you appreciate the beauty of the environment, which might be the best Earth Day present of all!
For questions about home insurance, contact a Sea Mountain Homeowners Insurance Specialist.
