Do You Want to Do Something for Earth Month?

Earth. The 3rd planet from the sun and the 5th largest planet in our solar system. Our home and the only life-sustaining planet in our solar system. 8 billion people live on it on 5 continents and share it with millions of other species.

Every April during Earth Day, Earth Week and Earth Month, one billion people show appreciation for Mother Earth. It is the perfect time to rethink some of our actions and the impact they have on our collective home.

Billions of people show love for mother earth in April (Image - Freepik)

So, whether you're looking for something small or large, there are plenty of things you can do to help make our planet healthier and happier. Here are 10 simple ones.

1. Put garbage in its place

We cannot emphasize this enough. From illegal dumping to littering, it seems that many of us have thrown common sense out the window. We have bins strategically placed all around the island, a reminder to use them. And if there are none near you, carry your rubbish to the next one.

Put garbage in its place

2. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Buy less and repurpose or reuse household items. Take advantage of any local recycling activity in your area to dispose of recyclable materials such as plastic containers, glass bottles and cans. Find out whether there’s redeeming centre near you where you can take your cans and PET bottles. This will minimize landfill waste.

3. Help clean up

On social media, posts appear daily of inspirational people who pick up trash from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue beaches. You could join them or organize your own in your locality.

Clean up or participate in a beach clean up

4. Use reusable items

Refuse single-use cutlery and use reusable items such as water bottles, spoons and forks instead. Offer reusable items at meetings. Make your events and celebrations, such as beach picnics with family and friends, plastic-free.

5. Save water

Turn off the tap when you are not using water, fix any leaks in your home, take shorter showers, and water your plants during the cooler hours of the day to minimize evaporation.

6. Save energy

Turn off lights and air conditioners when you leave the room, unplug electronics when not in use, and use energy-efficient appliances.

7. Plant beneficial native plants

Native trees and plants are adapted to local environmental conditions and they support birds, bees, and other wildlife. Plant these.

8. Support eco-friendly businesses

Buy products from businesses that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Learn and educate others

9. Learn and educate others

Read books, watch documentaries or follow environmental accounts on social media to learn about the challenges we are facing such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Take direct action to solve some of these problems or advocate for change. Encourage your family, friends, and community to take similar action.

10. Get involved

Getting involved in local environmental initiatives can make a real difference in the fight against pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Find a cause close to your heart and help them.

Remember, even small actions can help the planet. Have an impactful Earth Month.