Earth Day: What You Can Do at Home to Help

April 22nd marks Earth Day 2023, a yearly event first celebrated in 1970 in order to raise awareness around global environmental issues. Since then, it has been the impetus for countless initiatives – both big and small – including meaningful individual actions that can have an impact well beyond the day itself. This year’s theme is ‘Invest in Our Planet’, and is focused on engaging governments, institutions and businesses to invest in the green economy. Businesses are also being encouraged to consider how they can help to create a future that’s both prosperous AND sustainable.

This ethos of sustainable business practices is very close to our hearts at Jennifer Adams Home. We recognize the effect that our decisions have on the planet and on the community. Our motto is that big change begins with small decisions. As a result, we are committed to always evolving and investing in sourcing sustainable products and fabrics. All of our bedding is OEKO-TEX certified, which not only ensures your safety and comfort, but helps to protect the earth for future generations. We also focus on supporting small, women and family-owned businesses and giving back with every purchase. We believe that relatively small choices like these will create a ripple effect, and we remain dedicated to evolving our business in order to do our part.

This Earth Day, you too can make small decisions with a big impact. Here we’re highlighting some of the simple ways you can help the planet on Earth Day, and beyond.

1. Eat more plants. Over the past few years, more and more people have come to recognize that eating a plant-based diet is one of the most effective ways to have a positive impact on the environment and help to stop climate change. And you don’t even have to give up meat products altogether. Even just switching to plant-based meals a couple of times a week can have an impact in the long term.

2. Do an at-home energy assessment. This Earth Day, take the time to take stock of how your home may be squandering energy. This may be as simple as fixing a leaky faucet or an air leak or something that requires a little more thought, like switching your energy provider to one that uses clean energy sources. Unplug devices when they’re not being used, use natural light where possible, and look into investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels.

3. Change up your bed linens. Another action you can take is to swap out your current linens for more sustainable options, like bamboo. Our new our Bamboo Sheet Sets, are made from this highly sustainable and durable plant source, which grows with little help from pesticides and other chemicals and on land that may not be suitable for other crops. Whichever material you choose, it’s worth spending a little more for durability, as this can help to reduce wear and tear and therefore reduce the need for replacement.

4. Ditch the drier. Instead of using the drier, hang your clothes on a drying rack or clothing line. Sure, it takes a little longer, but it will save you energy (and money too!)

5. Give up bottled water. Did you know that the entire life cycle of bottled water uses up fossil fuels, which contributes to global warming? Not to mention all the empty plastic bottles causing pollution. A reusable bottle is a stylish solution that’s good for you and good for the planet.

6. Support local farmers. Instead of the supermarket, buy produce from your local farmers markets and limit the distance your food travels from the farm to your plate.

7. Plant something. Whether you have access to a full garden or just a tiny window box, make a commitment to add some green to your space by planting something for Earth Day 2023. If you have the space, why not take it to the next level and plant a small vegetable garden? Fresh fruits, herbs and veggies will all help boost your health. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of eating something you grew from scratch.

8. Reduce your water usage. Only turn on the tap when you need it and take shorter showers. You can also collect rainwater in a barrel to use on your garden.

9. Switch to cold water detergent. You don’t need to wash your clothes and linens in hot water (with all the associated water and energy waste). Instead, buy some cold water detergent.

10. Stop using cotton rounds, swabs, and wipes. Are you using single-use cotton rounds to take off your makeup every day? (Or worse, makeup wipes?) It may seem like a small thing, but these really do add up. Instead, buy a set of fabric or bamboo cotton pads, which can be washed and used again, often for years.

11. Shop second-hand. Thrifting is in! Buy pre-loved items to avoid the need for new, energy-consuming production.

12. Use energy efficient light bulbs. It’s simple: energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the impact is huge – if every American home replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an energy efficient one, greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 9 billion pounds – as much as 800,000 cars.

13. Don’t use straws or plastic utensils. It’s so easy to ask restaurants to skip straws and plastic utensils with your delivery or pickup orders!

14. Compost. American households produce a huge amount of food waste each year, including around 650 lbs of organic waste that ends up in landfill. There’s no oxygen in these landfills, so organic matter cannot break down, and ends up releasing harmful methane gas. Composting is easier than you think and it makes a big difference.

15. Spend time outside. One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is to spend some time in the great outdoors appreciating it – and all we have to lose. Longer term, make more effort to walk short distances instead of taking your car. Not only is it good for the environment, it’s a bonus for your physical and mental health.

No matter how big or small your contribution is, every little helps. This Earth Day, let’s all do our bit to help protect our planet. And once you’ve taken action, why not challenge friends, family, and colleagues to do the same?