April 22, 2020 marks 50 years of Earth Day! The main aim of Earth Day is to raise awareness of the harmful impacts that threaten our environment both above and below water. We are celebrating this day by sharing some tips and tricks to live a more sustainable life and help you make a positive impact on the planet!
1. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Plastic
Pollution is the largest threat to our Earth’s natural environment and is one of the main reasons animals arrive at our marine animal hospital. Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, birds get entangled in fishing line, and animals get stuck in plastic wrappings. These are all things that can easily be avoided by simply disposing of our trash correctly, recycling and reducing plastic use. Skip the single-use plastic! Reusable water bottles, straws and bags can help lower your everyday plastic use!
2. Be Conscious of Your Emissions
Need to take a quick trip to the store or work nearby? Use a bike! Biking is an easy way to get some exercise while lowering your carbon emissions. Bicycles do not use fuel, they take a lot less energy to make than a car and don’t require toxic batteries or motor oil! Biking can also take you to some beautiful spots to enjoy the planet you’re helping protect.
3. Know Where Your Food Comes From
It’s important to start utilizing sustainable and safer food sources. Buying organic and growing your own food are two great ways to help the Earth. When you buy organic food, you are buying food that was grown without dangerous chemicals and pesticides. These chemicals and pesticides are not only dangerous to your health but have also been shown to contaminate the soil, water and air. By planting your own garden, you are saving money while nursing the Earth back to health. Here at CMA, we have an Aquaponics Exhibit that allows us to sustainably grow our greens for our sea turtles!
4. Go Paperless
Many businesses are now offering a “paperless” option. In your personal life, going paperless on your monthly bills and store receipts will save paper and clutter! In the office, companies that have gone digital have found they are saving money while using less paper and ink cartridges. There are a lot of benefits to going digital!
5. Make Every Day Earth Day!
Earth Day is just one day out of the year, but it’s important to try to add eco-friendly habits to your everyday routine and get involved to make a bigger impact! There are many organizations that work throughout the year with beach cleanups, tree-plantings and gardening assistance. It’s up to all of us to keep our planet healthy, and we need everyone to help make a difference!
Learn More About Sustainability With Activities in Our Education Station