April 22 is Earth Day, a celebration of all things green and sustainable. You can help honor the planet that sustains us by pitching in with a few of these home improvement ideas from Safewise.
Start Composting
Coffee grounds, egg shells, veggie clippings, and tons of organic materials get tossed into landfills every day. Turn your trash into a pile of smelly gold for your garden by starting a composting routine.
Composting bins are affordable and easy to use. Keep an indoor bin for kitchen scraps and an outdoor bin to do the actual composting. Sure, it takes a few weeks for all the materials to decompose (why we recommend keeping the bin outside), but after that time it turns into nutrient-rich material perfect for planting and gardening. And no need to buy heavy bags of planting mix – you’ve just made your own!
Composting Dos and Don’ts
What you can compost: Organic materials like eggshells, coffee grounds (and filters too), old newspapers, tea, and tea bags, pet and human hair, and small pieces of wood like matches or toothpicks. Aim for a mix of soft, organic material and sturdier materials for the best results.
What you can’t compost: Dairy and animal products take longer to break down and attract pests. Oils, fats, and animal waste are also bad choices for your compost pile.
Plant a Tree for Earth Day
Plant a tree in your backyard to celebrate Earth Day this year. There are tons of helpful sources for selecting the placement and caring for your new sapling. It’s a great activity to do with your kids as you watch them and your new tree grow tall and strong.
Check to see if your area has an urban forestry program. The program will send you a tree to plant in your yard or parking strip. All you have to do is keep it watered and happy. You can also get help from the urban forestry department if you have questions about planting a new tree on your property.
If you don’t have room in your backyard or rent your home, consider donating to a nonprofit like One Tree Planted, The Earth Day Network, or The National Forests Foundation that will plant trees for you.
Consider Smarter Energy
Smart home devices can make your home greener too. This April, consider making your home energy use a little smarter with a smart thermostat, smart bulbs, smart plugs, solar-powered lights, and solar-powered cameras.
These devices give you control over your energy use while you’re home or away. Turn lights and appliances off and on remotely, and even change the temperature of your home. Solar-powered lights don’t need electricity from your home to work, making them a green option for outdoor devices.
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