Every year on April 22, Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of combating climate change and protecting our environment. If you want to make a positive impact on our planet and contribute to a sustainable future, we’ve got three eco-friendly actions you can take. By embracing these sustainable habits not only on Earth Day, but all year round, you’ll make a real difference in creating a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.

1. Get Informed on Earth-Focused Issues and Topics

One of the most effective ways to help the planet is by staying well-informed about climate change, environmental advocacy, and important legislation. Here’s some educational resources to get started:

TED Talks:

• The Surprising Solution to Ocean Plastic by David Katz: Entrepreneur David Katz shares creative solutions to the plastic pollution crisis and how plastic waste can be turned into valuable resources.
• The Innovations We Need to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates: In this talk,Gates outlines his plan to address the climate crisis with a mix of innovation, government action, and individual behavior change.

Podcasts:

• The Carbon Copy hosted by Stephen Lacey: Produced by Canary Media and Post Script Media, this weekly podcast explains how our planet is changing by exploring current events and conducts interviews with industry experts, journalists, and thought leaders.
• No Place Like Home hosted by Mary Anne Hitt and Anna Jane Joyner: With a focus on the personal and emotional impact of climate change, this podcast explores the stories of those who are on the front lines of the issue.

Videos:

• Countdown: Powered by TED and Future Stewards, this series of videos shares conversations to help accelerate solutions to combat the global climate crisis.
• Before the Flood is a documentary directed by Fisher Stevens and follows actor and activist, Leonardo DiCaprio, as he travels the world to show the impacts of climate change and possible solutions.
• Five Questions About Climate Change: These five short videos answer common questions about climate change, like the meaning of net-zero and the significance of a small temperature increase on Earth.

Publications and Websites:

• Climate by BBC News: Stay updated on global stories related to climate change.
• Climate Forward: Subscribe to this email newsletter from The New York Times for bi-weekly updates on climate change news.

2. Read Earth-Friendly Books with Your Kids

If you’re a parent, there are plenty of fun and easy ways to involve your little ones in Earth Day celebrations and eco-conscious activities.

Read Earth Day Books Together

Head to your local library to borrow Earth-themed books or add a few to your home collection. These engaging reads will help your kids learn about our planet and the important ways they can protect it:

• Earth by Stacy McAnulty takes readers on a journey through the history of Earth, from its formation to present day. 
• I am Earth: An Earth Day Book for Kids by Rebecca and James McDonald celebrates Earth Day by emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things on our planet. 

• One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul tells the inspiring story of Isatou Ceesay and a group of women in the Gambia who came together to solve the plastic waste problem. 

3. Make Your Home More Sustainable

Transforming your home into an eco-friendly space is easier than you think. By adopting some simple and effective options, you can make your home more sustainable and reduce your carbon footprint.

Here are a few actionable ways to help you go green at home:

Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Switch to LED or CFL light bulbs, which consume significantly less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Not only will you save on your electricity bill, but you’ll also contribute to a greener environment.

Embrace Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Consider investing in an electric vehicle, which produces fewer emissions than its gas-guzzling counterparts. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy lower fuel and maintenance costs while doing your part to combat climate change. Plus, you can charge your EV for free with solar power.

Install solar panels

Take your commitment to sustainability a step further by installing a solar panel system at home. Harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity not only reduces your reliance on fossil fuels but also saves you money on your energy bills. Plus, you may be eligible for tax incentives and rebates to offset the installation costs.

Help reduce dependence on fossil fuels with solar panels

Taking action on Earth Day—and every day—can have a profound impact on our planet’s well-being and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for everyone. Any of these three easy ways to take action on Earth Day can play a significant role in combating climate change and protecting our environment for generations to come.

If you’re ready to power your home with solar, schedule your online appointment today to learn how much you can save and to find the right solar loan for your energy needs.