Here are 10 small things you can do to make a big difference this Earth Day | Editorial
Today is Earth Day, the global event that takes place every April 22 to raise awareness and support for environmental protection.
During the first Earth Day in 1970, more than 20 million Americans protested to demand action against rampant air and water pollution borne from decades of industrial development
Later that year, Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency — the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — to tackle environmental issues.
In these days of deep political division, persuading state and national lawmakers to agree on the aggressive measures needed to combat climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss is challenging.
Still, there are some promising signs emerging on the local level in the Akron-Canton area.
Akron’s Polymer Industry Cluster, one of 31 new “tech hubs” across the country, is in the running for millions of state and federal dollars for research and development, much of it aimed toward creating safer, more sustainable polymers and plastics.
Akron also recently was selected as one of 25 U.S. cities in Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, a three-year initiative designed to pursue and implement local solutions “to build low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities.” Akron will receive a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded innovation team with as many as three dedicated staff members provided through a $200 million, three-year initiative that uses federal funding to address two intertwined issues: climate change and racial wealth inequality.
The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority has been a national leader in adding zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell buses to its fleet. Through a chemical reaction, fuel cells turn oxygen and hydrogen into electricity that can power a vehicle, such as a bus; the only byproduct is water.
SARTA’s fuel cell buses have developed some problems, so the transit authority opted last year to acquire eight paratransit vehicles that run on compressed natural gas while the manufacturer resolves the issues. SARTA also announced plans to use federal grant money on two electric buses and two chargers.
And the city of Kent last year adopted its Climate Action Plan, which includes detailed steps to reduce emissions and waste, pursue renewable energy options, incentivize new tree planting and expand education and outreach.
Of course, we don’t have to wait for the federal, state or even local government to take action.
In honor of Earth Day, here are 10 little things we can all do that collectively will make a big difference:
Use bottled water as a last resort. Instead, opt for reusable, refillable sports bottles whenever possible.
Use refillable containers for household cleaners and personal care products.
Use paper laundry sheets to cut down on plastic containers that end up in the landfills.
Donate reusable items to thrift shops or other programs.
Take advantage of the federal tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for clean vehicle purchases and energy efficient home improvements.
Plant only native plants, which nourish local species and are often resistant to local pests and diseases, reducing the need for fertilizer and pesticides.
Flush only toilet paper. Unused medicines, chemicals, wipes, diapers and menstrual products are difficult to remove from the water supply.
Rather than purchase a one-time-use item, see if you can borrow it.
Get involved in local cleanup or tree-planting efforts. Keep Akron Beautiful, for example, is launching an effort April 27 at Hardesty Park to plant 100,000 trees citywide by 2034 to expand the city’s shrinking tree canopy. Visit https://shorturl.at/chDT7 for details.
If you’re reading this in the print edition, please be sure to recycle the newspaper.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 10 small things you can do to make a big difference this Earth Day
