Earth love made easy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

I say that a lot, but it’s truer now than ever (and I probably won’t say that twice).

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, April 22 is the 51st Earth Day.

Here are some easy ways to celebrate Earth Day that do NOT involve recycling. You should, of course, keep recycling. But there are other everyday steps you can take to take care of Mother Earth.

Check the tag. I know what you’re wearing right now (and you don’t need to call the cops); odds are really good, you’re wearing acrylic. It may go by other names like polyester, but no matter what you call it, that rose by any name smells just as rotten.

This isn’t fashion snobbery, although there is a good reason many turn up their noses. Acrylics are synthetic (man-made) fabrics, specifically a type of thermoplastic made from petroleum products. Yes, the same stuff that goes into the gas tank (although the processing involved in either is certainly quite different).

Acrylic manufacturing is improving, but the process is still toxic to many involved in making it. It also doesn’t break down like natural fibers do, nor as well as semi-synthetic materials like rayon, which is artificially made from natural wood pulp. (Modern manufacturing is a doozy.)

You shouldn’t dump the clothes you already have, because that’s pretty wasteful – and we have a waste problem, already – but the next time you need to pick up a new shirt, check the tag and consider more natural materials.

Ask “Do I need this?” The ‘reduce’ in reduce, reuse, recycle, doesn’t actually mean getting rid of your things. Although some swear that by reducing excess they use what they have more and needlessly replace items less.

But when considering the next gimmick that will “change your life” because it’s so simple, think about whether you need another item destined for the landfill. Do you really need that fancy wine opener or a fifth way to make coffee at home? (Yes, that’s directed at myself.)

Sometimes, sure, maybe an extra item or two will get plenty of use and even bring joy (like a second Moka coffee maker in a multi-drinker household), but other times, you know it’s on the fast track from junk drawer to thrift store, or worse: The trash.

No one’s saying you can’t have nice things, but it’s nicer to the environment and your wallet to choose your extras well. I love my cat, but she prefers boxes, ice cubes and exactly one stuffed bear (stolen) over any new toy, so she hasn’t had a new one in years. (Her preferred hobby is chasing the other cat anyway, so what would a toy mouse bring to her life?)

Reuse. I know, this is cheating, since you already know this one, but I’ll add four no-effort ideas.

1. BYO whatever. You don’t need a thermos for coffee (unless you like the one you already have). As a barista I never refused any to-go vessel for a to-go coffee (though COVID may belay that). Bring your favorite mug, lidded mason jar for cold drinks, or whatever else you want.
2. Love your containers. Opt for grocery items that come in containers you actually like. Many brands still package in glass jars or higher quality (a.k.a. reusable) containers. You may never have to actually purchase another jar, storage container, or “coffee cup” separately again.
3. Candle jars make great water glasses. Just, you know, soak and wash them really well first.
4. Lastly, hit the library. No one said you had to reuse your own stuff. When it comes to books and movies – which you probably don’t want to repeat soon anyway - it makes sense to make use of community goods.

There are, of course, dozens of other things you can do year-round. Walking instead of driving short distances when you can, carpooling, unplugging electronics you’re not using, and yes, recycling. But the many little things you can do to help are endless, and come up in any aspect of your life. Don’t be afraid to look for them in less traditional places.