Today, we honor Mother Earth…This year’s Earth Day theme is “Restore Our Earth.”
You may think this is a day to recycle, pick up trash, or simply plant a tree. While those are fantastic acts, there are so many additional ways to start making changes that can affect our planet for good right now! Using acts of kindness is an easy way to begin making an impact.
From the food we choose to eat, to what we purchase, and even our daily actions. Each thing we do can create a huge wave of positive impact.
Try Meatless Mondays
Going vegetarian for the day is a very special way to give back to our earth and to living beings. Plus, it will begin to help you get on a path to pure health! We suggest trying to go meat-free just one day a week. Why not today or later this week? It’s easier than you think and it will help ease you into a new way of thinking about what goes on your plate. Here is a great site to help you get started: www.meatlessmonday.com.
Do Your Laundry Late
Instead of saving your pile of laundry for weekend afternoons, do it in the evenings when energy costs are lower. You can further reduce carbon emissions by washing your clothes in cold water with cold-water detergent.
Use Vegan Skincare
Large and small cosmetic companies offer skincare that is cruelty-free and vegan. When we are kind to our skin by using products that don’t test on animals, it sets us up to begin noticing what is really going on in our bodies. Plus, we are voting with our dollars by supporting companies that make humane choices! Check out this list of vegan skincare by Ethical Elephant.
Recycle Your Batteries
Batteries contain corrosive materials and heavy metals that can contaminate the environment. By recycling your batteries, you significantly reduce the dangers that these batteries pose to human health and the environment by keeping them out of our landfills, and by extension, our water supply.
According to earth911, the state of California is the only state in which it is illegal to throw any type of battery (including single-use) in the trash. However, batteries should still be disposed of in a responsible manner regardless of what state you live in. Check out places like Best Buy or your local hardware store to see if they accept used batteries.
Shop Cruelty-Free
Your purchase is your voice. The founder of the Los Angeles-based company PAWJ California (Sort of like an UGG but cruelty-free) is dedicated to using the highest quality synthetics and faux furs. Check out the wide variety of styles here.
Teach Kindness to Kids
We believe it is crucial that we lead by example to pass on good habits to the next generation. One of the best ways we can ensure a bright future is by reading to our children! Don’t know where to start? Check out these amazing books based on kindness.
Wear A Message of Kindness
When you wear our Be Kind & Co. merchandise, you are spreading positive and kind messages to everyone around you – even strangers! Plus, it feels great to know you’ll be wearing that message close to your heart all day. We also donate a portion of our proceeds to charity that focuses on teaching children empathy.
Take Old Blankets and Towels to Your Local Animal Shelter
Have you ever visited an animal shelter? They are often in desperate need of warm blankets for the animals they are housing and rehabilitating. Your donation will help homeless animals feel cozier, safer, and it will keep your blankets out of a landfill!
Pick Up Trash Around Your Neighborhood
Imagine if every person picked up 5 pieces of trash on Earth Day. How awesome would that be? Start on Earth Day on your own street, and see if you can keep up the habit!
Say No to Plastic Grocery Bags for the Day
Instead of using plastic grocery bags this Earth Day, bring your own bags. You can continue your acts of kindness by returning your grocery cart all the way back to the store.
For more information and ideas on how to help our planet, visit earthday.org.
