“When we stand together, our planet has a future.”
Earth Day is a time to reaffirm our commitment to caring for the planet. Two simple yet meaningful ways to contribute are tending a garden and recycling correctly. It is a known fact that watering plants and trees helps them thrive. Trees play a vital role in our ecosystem – they absorb carbon dioxide, release the oxygen we breathe, and provide food and shelter for wildlife. A well-maintained garden also conserves water and prevents soil erosion. With roughly 15 billion trees lost each year, planting and nurturing even a single tree helps offset that loss and strengthen our environment. Recycling is another powerful way to protect the Earth. While there are seven types of plastic, not all are processed the same. Plastics labeled #1 Polyethylene Terephthalate – found in water and soda bottles, and clear food trays – and #2 High-Density Polyethylene – used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shampoo bottles – are the most widely recycled. Plastic #5 Polypropylene – found in yogurt containers, bottle caps, and takeout meal trays – is also becoming more accepted in recycling programs. In contrast, #3 Polyvinyl Chloride – used in pipes, window frames, vinyl siding, and shower curtains – #4 Low-Density Polyethylene – found in plastic bags, bread bags, and plastic wrap – #6 Polystyrene – used in disposable coffee cups, takeout containers, and foam packaging – and #7 Other – a mix that includes polycarbonate for water cooler bottles, sunglasses lenses, and some food containers – are rarely recycled and often end up in landfills. Recycling conserves energy, reduces pollution, and preserves natural resources like timber, water, and oil. In 2018 alone, recycling and composting saved over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). This Earth Day, please take a moment to check the number on your plastics, recycle what you can, and water your garden. Together, these two simple, doable actions help strengthen a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.
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