Tomorrow is Earth Day, so we figured there was no much better time to talk with Tovah Barocas, president of EarthRangers — a charity that empowers kids and households to have a genuine and favorable effect on the environment through knowing and action– about little things we can do to be more environment-friendly in our daily lives.
In the last couple of years I have actually carried out little tweaks that benefit both my wallet, my body and the world … and they’re all simple! Among them there’s bringing my own glass containers when I go food shopping (plastic is a significant hormonal agent disruptor and I personally think the factor I required IVF for my pregnancies), I specifically consume out of stainless-steel bottles like S’well, I publish in Whatsapp groups (structure, community, good friends and so on) when I’m clearing out my closet and whatever I can’t hand out I put in a stack till there suffices to fill a huge bag and I contribute it. Lastly, I store “ugly” produce through services like ImperfectFoods or MisfitsMarket
Keep reading for more methods to be eco in your daily life according to ecologist and professional, Tovah Barocas.
Repair, do not change
“I’m always amazed at how quick people can be to throw things away because of one tear or when they’ve gained or lost a few pounds. With some very basic sewing skills or a quick trip to a tailor, that shirt with the underarm hole or pants that are sliding down when you walk can be fixed with no one the wiser.”
Host a clothes swap
“Rather than throwing out clothes or buying brand-new ones, invite some friends over for a clothing swap. I like to do these when the season is about to change – you can get a whole new wardrobe without stepping foot in a store. Clothing swaps are also great for kids– especially items they might only wear once before growing out of them, like Halloween costumes or that fancy holiday dress. You can also donate your clothes or if they aren’t in good enough condition to donate, recycle them properly – never put clothing in the garbage.”
Spread the word
“Don’t underestimate your influence on those around you, especially children. If our kids see us treating our clothes and belongings as disposable, they will too. It’s important to instill environmental values early on, so that rather than having to break bad habits later, our children will grow up with the benefit of learning from some of our former mistakes. Plus, maybe they’ll spill less… we can always dream!”
Choose plants that assist pollinators
“Many pollinator species are increasingly threatened as their habitats disappear to make room for more development. By choosing the right plants for your garden or balcony, you can help the pollinators, like bees and butterflies, that live in your area. Planting and decorating flower pots is also a great activity to do with kids. If you want to take it one step further, you can even build a bee condo to provide a safe place for bees that don’t live in hives to lay their eggs.”
Reorganize your refrigerator
“It’s estimated that almost half of all the food in the United States is wasted each year – a shocking amount! One way I reduce food waste at home is by ensuring that the food I’ve had the longest is at the front of my fridge, so I don’t forget about it. Improvised tacos, omelets and smoothies are also a great way to use up leftovers- like that sad-looking green onion, half a bell pepper or the bottom of a yogurt or sour cream container.”
do it yourself vacations and birthdays
“There’s nothing my daughter loves more than arts and crafts. So rather than buying things like holiday/birthday cards, wrapping paper and ribbon, we make it using stuff like junk mail, old newspapers and even natural materials like dried leaves and flowers. Not only is this more sustainable, but I’ve also found that people really appreciate receiving something that’s been made with love for them and the planet.”
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