My Clearwater
Clearwater Celebrates Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary
On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans came
together in cities across the country to bring
awareness to environmental problems and
demand positive action. This moment in
history spurred the designation of April 22 as “Earth Day” in
the United States and many countries around the world.
In celebration of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, here are 50
ways to live more sustainably:
1. Give up one type of single-use plastic (such as plastic
bags, straws or styrofoam).
2. Plant Florida native plants.
3. Use low-flow faucets, toilets and irrigation systems to
save water.
4. Replace incandescent lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs
to save energy.
5. Compost your food scraps and yard waste
6. Always recycle properly.
7. Purchase products that are fair-trade or organic certified.
8. Reward environmentally responsible companies by
investing in them.
9. Buy in bulk to save money and reduce packaging waste.
10. Avoid paints with harmful chemicals, replace with
natural paints instead.
11. Look for the Energy Star rating when buying new
appliances.
12. Install solar panels on your home.
13. Use public transportation.
14. Buy low-phosphate soaps and dishwashing detergents.
15. Have your name removed from junk mail lists.
16. Consider an electric vehicle for your next car purchase.
17. Support certified ocean-friendly businesses.
18. Collect rainwater.
19. Give a potted plant as a gift rather than cut flowers.
20. Buy local produce.
21. Stay active in city meetings and civic functions.
60 MyClearwater
22. Never litter.
23. Purchase items made from recycled or repurposed
materials.
24. Avoid eating farmed fish.
25. Reduce or eliminate the fertilizer you use on your
property.
26. Buy second-hand clothing.
27. Keep storm drains clean.
28. Offer a skill to a local environmental organization.
29. Avoid purchasing plastic bottles, drink from the tap or
filter your own water at home.
30. Run the dishwasher only when it is full.
31. Water your plants only in the early morning or late
evening.
32. Take your left-over paints, chemicals, and motor oils to
the county’s HEC3 facility.
33. Use biodegradable cleaning products.
34. Bike or walk for short trips.
35. Use reusable bags.
36. Choose natural treatments for plant diseases.
37. Use oxybenzone-free sunscreen to protect coral reefs.
38. Clean the coils on your refrigerator.
39. Avoid chemical weed killers, manually remove weeds
instead.
40. Donate your children’s old toys.
41. Invest in a tankless water heater.
42. Buy items that are durable and can be repaired.
43. Grow some of your own food.
44. Don't put cooking oil, greases and fats down the drain.
45. Clean your air-conditioner filter.
46. Respect wildlife.
47. Buy retreaded tires.
48. Eat a plant-rich diet.
49. Remove invasive plant species from your property.
50. Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to live
more sustainably!