Earth Day Tips to Try Any Day
The official date for Earth Day is Sunday, April 22, and there are many actions you can take to celebrate the Earth every day throughout the year. Several years ago, Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) Clean Air Program created an inspirational poster and bookmark, combining the beauty of the desert with 50 Ways to Green the Earth. Check out some options there and/or read below for a dozen tips to consider if you would like to live more gently with the planet.
• Buy “vintage” from thrift stores for one-of-a-kind clothing and furnishings.
• Conserve water by harvesting rainwater and catching pre-hot water in the shower with a bucket.
• Avoid idling your vehicle’s engine at school drop off/pick-ups and drive thru windows. Park the car and go inside to help keep the air healthy to breathe.
• Drive less - carpool, ride your bike, walk, use public transportation or drive an electric or hybrid car. Motor vehicle use is the single largest source of air pollution in Pima County.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator to save energy (and enjoy the exercise!).
• Plant or donate a shade tree. Tucson Clean and Beautiful’s “Trees for Tucson” program sells shade trees for your home, which can reduce your cooling bill. If a tree is planted near the sidewalk, it can provide a shady place to encourage more walking.
• Replace inefficient incandescent light bulbs with the more energy efficient LEDs.
• Check tire pressure monthly and maintain proper inflation for safer driving, better gas mileage, longer lasting tires and fewer emissions.
• Avoid using disposable plastics, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags and straws.
• Turn off and unplug electronics you are not using. This includes turning off your computer at night. Turn off the computer monitor when you leave the room.
• Use a fan to create a breeze around you and turn up your thermostat one or two degrees in the summer to reduce energy use and the associated air pollution.
• In the kitchen, reduce food waste by “shopping” in your refrigerator first and using what you have. Make a list before going to the store and include exact quantities needed to avoid over-buying. Incorporate a few meatless meals into your weekly meal planning.
• Incorporating one or more of these actions into your life will reduce air pollution, conserve water, minimize waste and reduce your carbon footprint. Combined with others, these actions can make a positive impact on the health of our community and the environment.
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Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) serves Pima County residents by protecting public health and the environment. PDEQ monitors air and water quality; provides hazardous and solid waste programs that ensures waste minimization and pollution prevention; assesses environmental compliance; processes environmental permits and plans; responds to public complaints and inquiries with investigations and enforcement; and reaches the community via public outreach, education, and citizens' assistance.
