Teaching our kids to care for the planet starts at home! Simple changes in our daily habits can make a big difference—not just for our households, but for the Earth we all share. In honor of Earth Day, now is the perfect time to explore easy, meaningful ways to protect and care for our environment. Because when we model healthy habits at home, we’re helping build a cleaner, greener future for everyone.
These simple ways to make a big impact are brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
1.Ditch the chemicals- switch to sustainable cleaners
Traditional cleaning chemicals can be effective but that’s about their only benefit. All those chemicals can have a negative impact on us and the environment. Cleaning products often carry non-biodegradable chemicals that will stick around and contaminate soil and water for years to come.
Good news is, natural and plant based cleaners can be just as effective! Here are a few easy swaps that’ll get the job done.
- Good ol’ Vinegar and baking soda! This stuff can be used for just about everything. It’s great for descaling, cleaning produce, removing stains- you name it.
- Here’s a good resource with some good homemade cleaner recipes using non toxic ingredients you likely have in the house: 4 Easy homemade cleaning sprays
- There are several options for plant based cleaners on the market.
2.Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Use the three R’s to cut down on your family’s waste and conserve landfill space.
Reduce the amount of waste your family produces by switching to more sustainable options for single use products. Replace plastic sandwich bags with beeswax. Consider switching to reusable grocery bags and ditching the single use plastic sacks. Donate as much as you can; clothes, furniture, household decorations can all be given another life!
Reuse and re-purpose as much as possible. Anything you can’t find a way to reuse; Recycle!
3.Drive Less
Between work, taking the kids to school/ extracurriculars and keeping up with friends and family; we all have places to be! Consider these ways you may be able to cut down on the miles and emissions..
- Carpool whenever possible!
- Walk/bike when you’re staying local. Many of us are within walking distance to our favorite restaurants, markets or parks. If you can, ditch the car!
- Stay local. Maybe go for the park in your town for your regular park hangs rather than the one two towns over.
For those who have questions about how to protect the environment, call the Tuscarawas County Health Department’s environmental health specialists at 330-343-5550 or via eh@tchdnow.org