Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22 to support environmental protection. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970.

Human impact is becoming more and more of an issue with the population reaching 8.2 billion people that contribute to waste and pollution of the environment.

When it comes to climate change and environmental damage, it’s easy to feel powerless, but here are 10 simple ways that you can make a difference…

• Over 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away each day in the U.S. alone. When you choose a reusable water bottle, you help reduce the demand for single-use plastic.

• When buying second-hand items, you are preventing them from ending up in landfills, decreasing the demand of production, conserving resources, and giving your item a new home!

• Even after devices are turned off, the items can still draw power, so the next time you use a hair dryer, curling iron, toaster, coffee maker, or phone charger, take the time to unplug the device after use.

• By choosing one of these environmentally friendly alternatives to driving, you are reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

• Plastic bags can live up to 1,000 years in a landfill. Reusable bags are more durable, you can use them repeatedly, and they minimize waste.

• Doing a neighborhood cleanup reduces pollution, protects wildlife, improves air quality, and connects you to your community.

• Did you know that one large tree can produce a day’s worth of oxygen for four people? Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which we need to breathe. 

• It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. Crazy, right?!? The production of meat is responsible for high levels of water consumption and deforestation because of the need for more farmland for crops that feed the cattle.

• 91% of plastic isn’t recycled and ends up in the ocean or landfills. Limit the use of plastic utensils, straws, and bags. 

• Instead of discarding items that are damaged, see if they can be repaired to limit waste and reduce the production rate of new items.