Energize and Organize: Earth Day, Every Day

Here are 25 things you can do to celebrate this Earth Day!
Guest Post:  Meghan Spears, CPO
www.meghanspears.com

This Earth Day, may you be inspired to do one thing, or a few, or all of them—imperfectly, and remember, it’s about progress.  
​

• Create a home composting system. Divert organic waste from landfills where it produces methane gas. 

 

• Use public transportation. Buses, trains, and carpooling reduce emissions compared to driving alone. 

 

• Eat more plant-based meals. Even going meatless one day a week can significantly lower your carbon footprint. 

 

• Reduce food waste. Meal plan, store food properly, and compost scraps rather than sending them to landfill. 

 

• Shop locally and seasonally. Locally grown produce requires less transportation; seasonal foods need fewer resources to grow. 

 

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified products when replacing old appliances. 

 

• Install a programmable thermostat. Reduce heating and cooling when you’re not home or when you are sleeping. 

 

• Improve home insulation. Properly insulated homes require less energy for temperature control. 

 

• Wash clothes in cold water. Most of the energy used in washing machines goes to heating water. 

 

• Line-dry clothes when possible. Dryers are major energy consumers in many households. 

 

• Switch to LED lighting. LEDs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. 

 

• Reduce single-use plastics. Carry reusable bags, bottles, and containers for shopping and takeout, and use cloth napkins at home. 

 

• Practice mindful consumption. Before buying new items, consider if you really need them and look for secondhand options first. 

 

• Reduce water usage. Install low-flow fixtures, fix leaks promptly, and take shorter showers. 

 

• Start a garden. Growing even some of your own food reduces transportation emissions and packaging waste. 

 

• Switch to renewable energy. Consider solar panels or choose a green energy provider for your home electricity. 

 

• Maintain vehicles properly. Regular maintenance ensures optimal fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. 

 

• Support sustainable brands. Research companies' environmental practices before purchasing.

 

• Advocate for climate policies. Get involved in local sustainability initiatives and support climate-conscious legislation. 

 

• Go paperless. This simple step reduces deforestation, saves water and energy used in paper production, and cuts down on landfill waste and carbon emissions. 

 

• Unplug electronics when not in use. Reduce phantom energy usage by unplugging devices that use standby mode. 

 

• Limit fast fashion. Buy fewer, higher-quality clothing items, support sustainable brands, and thrift, when possible, to reduce waste and emissions. 

 

• Fly non-stop. Booking non-stop flights reduces carbon emissions because take-off and landing are the most energy intensive. 

 

• Install a rainwater system. Collecting and using rainwater for gardening or outdoor cleaning reduces the demand on water treatment facilities, which use a lot of energy, and can help reduce your own water bill. 

 

• Reduce consumption. Reducing the demand for resources helps to protect the environment and conserve energy and is a sustainable option for the people and the planet. 

​Remember if you need organizing assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer, 617.640.2366
Organizing Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hyannis, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro and Yarmouth