Normally Earth Day is an opportunity to get outside and show appreciation to our planet, but while we continue to stay close to home, there are still small actions we can take to make a big impact. Together with Cameo from Meeyoo Handwoven we've gathered simple ways that you can start, or continue, to live a more sustainable lifestyle while we stay home.
Eat a Vegetarian Meal
A growing number of studies have shown the impact livestock is having on climate change. Eating vegetarian meals for just one day a week means decreasing your meat consumption by nearly 15 percent. While most meals are being eaten at home, you can better plan for all-vegetarian meals.
Use Cloth Napkins and Cleaning Rags
It's hard to find paper towels right now as it is, so it's a good time to switch to cloth napkins. You can also upcycle old shirts or towels into cleaning rags to use on all the surfaces you're wiping down more often.
Recycle + Compost Properly
Most cities have different guidelines for recycling. Read up on yours and separate your garbage appropriately. And if you're not already, now is a great time to start composting!
Reusable Water Bottles at Home
Your reusable water bottle doesn't need to be just for outings. While at home, reusable water bottles can prevent the use of single-use plastic bottles and save you from washing a million dishes while everyone is home.
Hang Dry Your Laundry
Hanging your laundry to dry conserves energy. Line drying can reduce the average household’s carbon footprint by a whopping 2,400 pounds a year.
Plan Meals + Grocery List
Americans throw out $218 billion of food annually. To eliminate food waste (and keep your grocery visits shorter) plan your meals around the same ingredients and only buy perishables in the amount that you know you will eat.
Mend, Repair, or Pass It On
With a little extra time on your hands, pick up some of those forgotten sewing projects and mend your family's clothing, repair broken toys, or find ways to safely donate your items.
Purchase Cleaning Products in Bulk
Cleaning products and Hand sanitizer are in high demand but low supply. Avoid single-use plastic by buying cleaning products in bulk or making your own to refill reusable containers.
Unplug + Entertain Without Electronics
The average U.S. household has 40 products always plugged in, draining electricity that accounts for as much as 10% of our household energy use. So, while at home, unplug electronics when not in use and entertain yourself by reading, making puzzles, or playing board games.