Make Earth Day Everyday

Last year was the 51st Anniversary of Earth Day. But like many things in 2021 it was overshadowed by all things COVID. This year we thought we should shine a spotlight on Earth Day to celebrate the ‘everyday’ things we can do to make a difference with these ten tips and more.

1. Go outside and appreciate nature
It may sound silly, but studies show that you are more likely to protect the planet when you have a connection with it.


2. Use reusable bags
Get yourself some reusable bags and keep them in your car. Pretty simple don’t you think? Scientists estimate that every square mile of ocean contains approximately 46,000 pieces of plastic floating in it. So, you can have a massive impact on that statistic by making this shift.


3. Buy organic foods and products
Supporting an organic natural system that doesn’t use synthetic herbicides and pesticides makes everyday Earth Day. These chemicals are not only foreign to your body, but also harmful to the water, air and environment as a whole. Products from ViroShield fit perfectly into this category as they are filled with natural organic ingredients.

4. Recycle
The process of extracting raw materials can produce a lot of pollution. Because more recycling means less extraction, it also means less pollution. Material decaying in landfills often emits methane, a greenhouse gas 30 times as potent as carbon dioxide, so the less of that, the better!


5. Rethink your diet
Some would suggest not to eat meat. This is a tough one for sure. But we felt we should share that according to Oxford University following a vegan diet would cut food-related emissions by 70%.


6. Use glass instead of plastic
This one is pretty easy. Glass or ceramic plates, glasses and storage containers are easy to find and very affordable. Excellent alternatives to plastic include Pyrex and Mason Jars. Not only does this help you avoid the toxins in plastic, but it also reduces its overall pollution.


7. Use environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning products.
Most people don’t think of their household cleaners as pollutants, but they are. Instead of using the toxic cleaners, you can find alternatives or make your own cleaners to keep your home and surrounding environment safe and clean.


8. Compost
You will not only be creating less waste, but by composting, the creation of greenhouse gases, like methane, is avoided. Composting can also revitalize farm soils by replenishing trace minerals. So, by composting your food byproducts, you are actually helping more food grow!


9. Carpool, bike, walk or ride
For most people, driving a car is likely their single most polluting daily activity. As our population continues to grow, so do our challenges to reduce pollution and improve air quality. Ride a bike or walk instead of driving whenever possible. It's good for the environment and you're your health!

10. Conserve Water
Even the little things matter like turning off the water when you brush your teeth. Shorter showers and running your dishwasher and laundry on shorter cycles all add up to big savings for you and the planet.

Since many of us are working from home here are some other things to consider:

  • Read documents online instead of printing them.
  • When you need to use paper, make sure it is 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
  • Set your office printer to print two-sided.
  • Collect used printer, fax and copier cartridges to recycle.
  • Use reusable bottles for water, and reusable mugs for coffee.
  • Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Turn off and unplug electronics you are not using. This includes turning off your computer at night.