Blog

Good Things to Do on Earth Day

Let’s say you’re reading this blog in July or December. Does that mean nothing in it applies to you since, by definition, Earth Day only occurs once a year on April 22?

Of course not. Earth Day may be a focal point, but it’s also a clarion alarm to make green and sustainable living a habit, not an event.

Here are a few ideas you might want to incorporate into your life:

Park the car. No, we don’t mean indefinitely. But pick one day a week when you walk, ride a bike, or carpool instead of taking your own car…whether to work, a convenience store, to visit a neighbor, or anything else. You’ll not only save on gas and reduce wear and tear on your car but reduce your carbon footprint as well.

Move your office or class outdoors. Get a little fresh air and reduce your energy usage at the same time. Get some work done at a nearby picnic table or ask your yoga or fitness instructor to hold a class outdoors.

Reduce your recycling. You might be scratching your head at this one but hear us out. Today, many communities can’t process all the recyclables they receive. Thus, an alternative but still eco-friendly strategy: reduce the number of recyclable items you receive or purchase by switching from paper to online magazines, pay your bills online and ask those companies to stop send you statements by mail…and, the next time you prepare something new in the kitchen, don’t print the recipe, follow it from your tablet.

Unplug for a day. Turn off the TV, laptop, and video games. Head to a nearby park, have an outdoor picnic, take in a pick-up basketball game, play a board game with the kids, or simply catch up on some reading. It’s a great way to free yourself from distractions and enjoy the simpler pleasures of life.

Switch to earth-friendly cleaning products. There are countless options for non-toxic and non-chemically packed cleaners that do a great – if not better – job. Or take the DIY route and make your own cleaning products!

Become a semi-vegetarian. The demand for meats creates a strain on environmental resources. If you can’t quite commit to a meat-free lifestyle, maybe you can start by trying it out one day a week.

Messmer Mechanical offers more ways to go green than you can shake a low-flow faucet at…and that’s just one such idea. From dual-flush toilets to tankless water heaters, faucet aerators, and more, Messmer is here to help you a live a greener lifestyle without sacrificing comfort or convenience.