Earth Day is an annual celebration to acknowledge the achievements of the environmental movement that protects our planet’s natural resources. Held each year on April 22nd since 1970, there are 1 billion individuals mobilized for action every Earth Day!
Getting involved is important, but it’s not about changing the world in one day. Earth Day is about raising awareness that continues these efforts throughout the year. If we all do our part and make small lifestyle changes toward greener living, it will make a significant impact.
Our team at The Grove on Forest Lane is sharing ways for seniors to celebrate Earth Day and help spread more awareness of the movement.
Make the Switch from Single-Use Items
A simple start to greener living is to stop using or reduce your use of disposable, single-use products. Many of us don’t even realize how much waste we actually produce, but everyday household items add up. Making a conscious effort to switch to reusable products can go a long way in helping take care of the planet.
For example, “Americans purchase about 50 billion water bottles per year, averaging about 13 bottles per month for every person in the U.S (earthday.org).” Switching to a reusable water bottle could help significantly reduce this number.
Additionally, “five trillion plastic bags are produced worldwide annually. It can take up to 1,000 years for a bag to disintegrate completely (earthday.org).” Make an effort to use reusable shopping bags when you go grocery shopping to help reduce this number.
Straws are another common single-use item. Many restaurants have already made the switch to paper or bamboo straws for their patrons, but you can make this switch in your home life too. Choose to drink straight from the cup or glass, or use a reusable straw!
Use the Internet, Not Paper
Today’s technology makes finding, downloading, and sharing information easy. So aim to live a more paperless lifestyle by switching to the paperless option for bills and notices and consuming news and information online instead of through mailed subscriptions, i.e., newspapers and magazines.
Combine Art with Earth Day
It is no secret that art can be extremely moving. It has the power to reach many people, so why not use it to help raise awareness for Earth Day? Many senior living communities, including The Grove on Forest Lane, incorporate art into their regular activities and programs for residents.
If you are artistically inclined or crafty, create a piece of art that can be displayed in own home or apartment, senior living community common areas, or even as part of a public Earth Day event to inspire others.
Organize a Community Clean-Up
Doing your part to help clean up the planet is a great way to get into the spirit of Earth Day. This clean-up could take place anywhere the community could use your help, including a local city park, beach, or nature trail.
Gather a group of volunteers to remove trash, plant flowers or trees (if applicable and allowed), and get to know others who share your interest in caring for the planet.
Take a Walk Through Nature
Simply enjoying the outdoors and recognizing the beauty around you is the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. Not only does it help you appreciate the earth and what it offers, but there are also many health benefits of spending time in nature, including reduced stress, improved self-esteem, lowered levels of anxiety and depression, better sleep, and more! Doing this on Earth Day makes it even more special.
You can make this a solo venture or use it as an opportunity to socialize with members of your community and encourage them to also pay attention to and benefit from what is around them.
You don’t need to save the earth in one day or on your own. However, making a conscious effort to implement greener lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping protect our planet and inspiring others to do so as well.
If you would like to learn more about the lifestyle options available at The Grove on Forest Lane, we invite you to visit our website or contact a member of our team today.
