7 ways to celebrate Earth week
Whether you believe in climate change or not is completely beside the point. Taking a walk along any trash ridden beach or watching the smog roll over Los Angeles should be heartbreaking to you. Landfills full of single use plastic should make your stomach turn. It certainly does mine.
On the positive side, all hope is not lost. There are many small things we can add to our daily lives to ensure that our grandchildren have clean air and beautiful surroundings on this earth. Earth day is a good place to start. Here’s 7 small (but fun) things you can do this Earth week to help out, whether you live in ever growing cities or sprawling outbacks.
clean up your favorite hiking trail
This is one thing I’ll definitely be partaking in this year. Although public workers are quite diligent about keeping our beautiful parks and reserves clean, some trash still falls through the cracks. Too many times I’ve been hiking near lakes and have been met with plastic wrappers lying on the banks. Not only is it helping our community and scenery but cleaning up your favorite trail is great for exercise and getting outdoors on this lovely day.
Upcycle some clothing
Turning those older garments over to charitable organizations and thrift shops is always a great idea. I try to spring clean every year around this time and declutter my closet. Not only is it a huge stress reliever for me but it helps keep garments out of landfills, it could even make you some extra money on apps like depop. Sometimes i come across older clothes that are just no use to me or anyone else due to damage. This is where my scissors and sewing kit come in. Savethestudent.org has some great ideas for upcycling clothes you should definitely check out.
https://www.savethestudent.org/shopping/fashion/how-to-up-cycle-your-old-clothing.html
Brew some organic beer
Get tipsy and help the environment. Seriously, it’s possible. Check out this great recipe for organic home brew and have a Green Party. Be proud that you’re drinking responsibly. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.organicauthority.com/.amp/organic-food-recipes/diy-making-organic-beer-at-home
Thrift shop
Feel like treating yourself today? I have good news for you. Shopping is good for the environment! Well, thrift shopping is. The production of new clothing, especially fast fashion, causes all sorts of mayhem on the environment. Water pollution, toxic chemicals and textile waste, gross. That vintage band tee that’s calling your name at your local thrift shop is actually helping save the planet.
Go on a bike ride.
Leave your keys at home today if the weather is nice where you live. This ones pretty obvious, but who doesn’t love a bike ride?
Make/purchase reusable bags.
I fucking love reusable cloth bags. Mine have carried everything from groceries to overnight necessities over the years. You can even throw in some of your organic beer and gift them to your eco friendly friends. Here’s my favorite how-to. https://blog.spoonflower.com/2017/12/how-to-make-a-reusable-tote-bag-in-under-1-hour/amp/
get that garden up and going
Growing up in rural areas my favorite thing to do as a kid was help my mom in the garden. Now that I’m older and typically dwell in apartment blocks the love is still the same. Balcony/windowsill gardens are super cute and a great stress reliever. Not only are you prettying up your environment but purchasing organic material as compost for your garden helps the environment and local producers. Check out Genuine Green Compost to learn how to add a little love to the earth. @genuinegreencompost on instagram.
Go forth, make a difference and have an amazing earth week.
-Lukas Skye
@Skyeline_
thejackalsatlas@gmail.com
