April is here and Earth Day is right around the corner. This annual event is a reminder that we need to take care of our planet so it continues to take care of us. Here is a list of ways you can contribute this Earth Day.

 

Volunteer to clean up at a local park

You can assist with trash pickup, raking, weeding, or removing sticks. Madison area parks will supply gloves, garbage bags and rakes to volunteers.

Click Here and Here to find out more.

EarthDay

Organize a cleanup. Get a group together to clean up your local park, schoolyard or beach.

Make a recycling plan. Learn what you can and can’t recycle. Then start separating out those cans and bottles!

Plant a tree. Simple. Effective. Easy!

PlantaTree

Find a carpool service. Find people in your area to share morning and afternoon commutes with.

Give up bottled water. Get yourself a refillable and permanent water bottle to carry with you. Not only is it good for the environment, you will save money on the cost of all those water bottles too!

green-water-bottle

Start buying local. Locally grown food is easier on the environment. You will also be supporting local farmers, and they’ll thank you for it!

Go paperless. Bills come in many forms, but mostly on paper. Did you know many bill-paying services offer an option to pay online? Make a point to go paperless this Earth Day.

Walk or bike to school or work. It keeps you out of the car, and its great exercise

During Bike to Work Week, a cyclist makes his way along Park Street on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus on June 8, 2009. Bike to Work Week, an annual promotion sponsored by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, encourages commuters to try a two-wheeled alternative to driving and features events including morning snacks, bike tune-ups and an end-of-week celebration of cycling at Vilas Park. ©UW-Madison University Communications 608/262-0067 Photo by: Bryce Richter Date: 06/09 File#: NIKON D3 digital frame

 

Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd.