This is a week when we celebrate nature, and the planet.
While Earth Day is officially April 22nd, a number of events have been taking place this weekend on the Central and South Coasts.
UC Santa Barbara Environmental Studies Researcher Deborah Williams has developed a project with Santa Barbara’s Community Environmental Council which is called “Earth Day-Every Day.” Williams says the idea is to give people some practical short term, as well as long term things we can do as individuals to make a difference.
So, for Earth Day 20-21, the campaign has 21 actions we can take to help our environment. One example is to stop buying laundry detergent in disposable plastic bottles, and use packets or pellets.
Williams outlines another tip that will help the environment, and ease some frustration. Block your junk mail. She says you can go to the CEC’s website, and find links to stop junk mail.
And, the author and educator says another step you can take is by going to your kitchen, and taking a serious look at what’s in your kitchen. Eliminate food waste by freezing items for later use, or taking an inventory to make sure you don’t buy things at the store you don’t need.
Other ideas are more involved, and include things like installing water saving fixtures, and looking at home solar power options.
With Earth Day events online this year again because of the pandemic, you are being asked to not only take the “Earth Day-Every Day” pledge, but also to post photos of your efforts. The Community Environmental Council will be awarding random prizes during the live stream, which is from noon to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Here's a link to the website: https://sbearthday.org/
Williams says while issues like climate change are huge, they are hoping to show people that we as individuals can do things to help, and make a difference.
