HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Earth Day 2023 was officially Saturday, April 22. But the following day, at a celebration held at the Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, it was made clear that every day should be treated as Earth Day.
The common sense lecture would be the old adage, "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" - but chances are you're well aware of it.
But there are other things we could all take stronger notice of. For instance, did you know, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, the fashion industry accounts for up to 10% of the world's carbon dioxide output - more than international flights and shipping output combined.
"Buying new creates more demand for more things to be purchased," explained Ashleigh Hayes with the Downtown Rescue Mission. "But if we go to thrift stores, and we're reusing, we can lessen that demand, lessen the factory output, and use these great clothes that people don't wear that many times."
That's the key - be thrifty. Visit thrift stores instead of buying, and donate your gently-used things to your local thrift store.
"Even I tell my son, clothes are just broken in, they have so much life to give in them," Hayes said. "Kids grow out of clothes. Adults, styles change, we never wear anything until it falls apart. So let's keep it going; let's spread that love around."
Another fact you may not know: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Biking does none of that. Although commuting by bike may require more of a lifestyle change, it can reap benefits for both you and the environment.
"You should try it," suggested Jamie Miernik, board member of the Huntsville Urban Bike Share Coop. Even if you ride one day a week, that's 20% of your driving that could be taken by bike instead of car. If everyone could reduce driving by 20%, think what you could do in the long term."
You should also be mindful of water pollution. According to Tennessee Riverkeeper, more than 8 million people depend on the Cumberland and Tennessee Watersheds for their potable water - and it's in everyone's best interest to keep those waterways clean.
"Be mindful of where you put your trash and things like motor oil," advised Tennessee Riverkeeper's Chief Prosecuting Attorney, Mark Martin. "Don't pour it on the ground. It all ends up in the river.
"Every day is Earth Day," Martin continued. "We're here on this earth; it's the only one we have and we have to keep it clean."