Earth Day is obviously a little different this year. But even in a standstill, it still shows up – and it’s celebrating its 50th year.
And there are a lot of things to smile about today from your couch. On a grander scale, things outside your small confinements are changing – deciding if they’re for better or worse is your prerogative but here are a few you can’t debate.
- Our minimal activity has improved air quality (The Himalayas can be seen from India for the first time in 30 years).
- Carbon Brief (CB) published that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted energy use worldwide, which could cut carbon emissions by an estimated 5% of 2019’s global total. That means the coronavirus crisis is so far “trigger[ing] the largest ever annual fall in CO2 emissions in 2020, more than during any previous economic crisis or period of war.”
- Oil prices for the first time in history fell negative.
So how can you celebrate this year? I say, keep up with some of the new earth-friendly habits you’ve picked up in the last few weeks of quarantine once it ends.
1. Walk more. Outside. Did you see the guy who ran a FULL marathon on his roof in NYC? Social distancing just means you have to be more creative. If you do have access to outdoor (or ONCE you do) – grab the AllTrails app. It will show you everything near and far – even if you just want to do a simple, 10-minute walk around a local pond with the kids. Or if you really want to try, it has all the expert 7+ mile hikes and rock scrambles as well.
2. Sunshine is your medicine. Vitamin D is a known upper. Grab some sunshine today. Even if that means just sticking your face in your sunny window. While you’re at it, take those 5-15 minutes too just reflect and be present. It’s okay -the kids can use their electronics for a little – give yourself a minute.
3. Cook more. Ok I get it, even I am over cooking every day – but think of all the money you’re saving, the food you’re not wasting AND how much you now appreciate that guy on on the motorized bicycle to come and deliver your Chinese take out during a thunderstorm. No one said gourmet meals here, and I don’t want to push plant-based eating (ok, maybe a little!) but buying items in bulk like coffee, rice and beans are dirt cheap and won’t require you to make extra trips to the store (whether it’s to cut emissions or coronavirus exposure).
4. Support small businesses. They’re (we are) struggling right now. When you do buy things, buy local and small – such as food from local farmer markets instead of large grocery stores. Just bring your mask. Not up for leaving your house yet? Try a great service like Misfits Market or Imperfect Foods. They take “ugly” unsellable produce that is perfectly good to eat and sell it to you for a fraction of the cost. I’m talking $26/box a week (which is enough to get this plant-based girl through two weeks of food). That means I basically spend $50/month on vegetable TOTAL. Use this code COOKWME-QO5UVK to get 25% off your first box of Misfits Market or this link to get $10 off your first box of Imperfect Foods.
5. Buy (more) sustainable products. There are so many things out there that are changing the way you can buy EVERYTHING. From these socks from Swaggr that are made from 3 recycled plastic bottles in every pair, to these 100% compostable phone cases by Pela. Also, it’s time to stop buying so many plastic bags. I’ve been a huge fan of beeswrap for years and it LASTS forever if you take care of it (talking years, people). Plus now you can buy it in a roll so you can cut it to your own desired size.
