From rounding up your friends for a trash clean up at the park to being mindful about your water and electricity use, Olympus Property shares four realistic ways you can help make an impact on the planet for Earth Day 2021 (and every day, really).
1. Volunteer
One of the quickest ways to make an immediate impact on our planet is to take action. And by action, we mean volunteering! To get out there and support your local community, donate your time at a green-focused organization that directly impacts the planet. Not sure where to start? Check out this handy online resource for finding an organization close to you that matches your eco-focused interests. Not finding the right organization? No problem! Round up your friends, grab a few garbage bags, a pair of gloves, and pick a local park. Spend a few hours out there together collecting loose trash, for a rewarding DIY volunteer outing.
2. Share Things
Forget ordering a one-off kitchen tool from a big-box store only to have it sit in your drawer for a year-plus. The processing, packing, and shipping required for that one single item could be extensive, and downright unnecessary, if you just simply borrow that item from someone you know instead. Think of the plastic, cardboard, labor, gasoline, money out of your pocket, and even carbon emissions you would save if you borrowed something instead of buying it. Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to use what they have! Just be sure to wash it and/or sanitize it upon return.
3. Ditch Excess Electricity & Water
Did you know your sink faucet can crank out approximately four gallons of water every two minutes? Yikes! So take Finish’s Skip the Rinse pledge and save upwards of 20 gallons of water each time you load up your dishwasher. Another great way to save on water is the shorter shower method – and don’t pretend like you didn’t know this one was coming! Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes or put some music on, then hop out after the third song ends to save on your water consumption.
When it comes to electricity waste, there’s a few simple things you can do to help reduce waste. Be mindful about flipping off the lights when you’re not in the room. Unplug small appliances, fans, and chargers when they aren’t in use. For your home’s heating and cooling energy, every degree you lower the temperature in the winter and increase in the summer helps reduce usage by about 1%. Program your home’s thermostat based on the season for the most energy-efficient results. Plus, you could save up to $180 per year on your electric bill!
4. Go Digital
Tired of getting bill after bill in the mail only to have them pile up around your home? Going paperless – or digital – is not only a more eco-friendly way to stay up-to-date on what’s due, but most bills can be paid online with the touch of a button. Forget calling or mailing in a payment and go completely digital with all your monthly expenses. Your clutter-free kitchen countertops will thank you!
Check out our other blog posts today for more tips and tricks to go green. And for more exciting things happening this spring, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!