1. Become a member of Green Energy Ohio! Not only will you be supporting our work toward a greener future, our memberships offer a multitude of ways for you to grow as an individual or business.
3. Enroll in AEP Energy’s ECO-Advantage® program to source your electricity from wind, protect your home from rising energy costs, and support renewable energy resources. Mention GEO when signing up and AEP Energy will donate $30 to GEO’s programs!
9. Find out what your Ohio city is doing to institute sustainable practices and fight climate change.
10. Talk about climate change! Studies show that your friends and family are much more likely to listen to you on the issue than they are a voice on television. Become a trusted source of information and keep the conversation going.
12. Sign up for the Youth Climate Strike Earth Day Live online event. From April 22-24, the youth-led 72-hour live stream and online mobilization will aim to engage people around the world in collective action to protect our climate and communities.
13. Participate in the Solve Climate by 2030 Power Dialogue on April 7 sponsored by the Bard Center for Environmental Policy and hosted by the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center at The Ohio State University. With expert panelists and breakout discussion sessions, the webinar is aimed at finding three ambitious but feasible actions for Ohio to accomplish, if we really aim to solve climate change by 2030.
14. Join the national Earth Day Coalition’s Earthrise: Earth Day Goes Digital, filling the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins and more.
15. Register for the Smithsonian Conservation CommonsEarth Optimism 2020 Summit. We need to be optimistic more than ever, and the set of distinguished speakers assembled for the Summit will provide information and inspiration.
Ditch and Switch
16. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs.
17. Use rechargeable batteries – to reduce the amount of batteries you purchase and discard.
20. Purchase reusable or biodegradable cutlery, and keep them with you for summer picnics or eating on the go!
21. Break up with single-use plastic by purchasing reusable alternatives to water bottles, coffee cups, straws, and shopping bags.
22. Learn about the impact of transportation on our climate. Plan to incorporate more walking and biking into your daily life — and switch to more public transit once our lives return to normal.
23. Plan Meatless Monday meals. The U.N. reports that the meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Try a new recipe and challenge yourself!
25. Clean out your garage/basement and box up all paints, cleaners, etc. for disposal at a hazardous waste drive through sites – when they are available again.
35. Pick up litter in your local green spaces! Create an online competition with friends by picking up your local green spaces, whoever collects the most waste wins! Share your “hauls” online to inspire others!
38. Get planting! Spend this time at home cultivating your flower beds, windowsill and vegetable gardens. Learn more about pollinator friendly plants and practices – no green thumb required!
41. Opt for a natural landscape that doesn’t require the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Reduce and Reuse
42. Take shorter showers! The duration of the shower has a direct effect on water usage. Time yourself and set goals for reducing your shower time.
43. Turn the faucet off! Though we may be washing our hands more now than ever, it is no excuse to leave the water running. You can save several gallons a day by shutting the water off while you scrub your hands.
46. Reduce your non-recyclable waste by opting for groceries with less packaging! Don’t forget your reusable shopping and produce bags, which you can make from reused materials.
47. Stay home! This one is a no brainer that will help you save gas and stay healthy! When you do drive, reduce your emissions by turning your engine off if you’re idling for more than two minutes.
