Earth Day: 13 everyday things you can do to help the planet - WDIV ClickOnDetroit

Monday will be the 49th Earth Day, an event celebrated in 193 countries worldwide, currently coordinated by the Earth Day Network.

Read more: A brief history of Earth Day

Here are 13 everyday things you can do to help our planet

1. Turn your computer off overnight: By reducing power use, you will not only save a few bucks, but you'll also help reduce your footprint.

2. Don't pre-rinse dishes: With a good detergent, your fishes will be just as clean and you can save gallons upon gallons of water per load.

3. Switch to energy efficient light bulbs: This is one of the easiest ways to reduce power use. LED or CFL lights will use a fraction of the energy incandescent bulbs use.

4. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth: Humans can use up for five gallons of water while running the tap during brushing. Just turn it off. You don't need that water.

5. Opt out of a bath and into a shower: Baths use about double the amount of water a shower uses.

6. Adjust your thermostat: By dropping your in-home temp even one degree, you'll save money and energy, along with helping the planet. Throw a sweater on, it's cozy!

7. Do a light check before leaving (or while home): Be sure to turn your lights off before leaving the house. Or, turn off lights in rooms you're not using.

8. RECYCLE: Almost everything in your house can be recycles, including cell phones, wire hangers, glass, aluminum, paper, plastic, boxes, bags and bottles. Find a local recycle center.

9. Use a reusable bag for groceries: Those plastic bags you get at the store are a huge hazard to the planet. They sit in landfills and often end up in the ocean.

10. Don't use coffee stirrers or straws: About 140 million straws and stirrers are thrown away every year in the U.S. Using a spoon to stir and just avoiding straws is a great way to help the environment.

11. Go paperless: Most services now offer paperless billing options, like banks, loans, and your every month bills. Check with your provider for paperless options.

12. Use rechargeable batteries: Throwing away batteries can be extremely damaging when they end up in landfills. The up front cost of recharging will save you money in the future.

13. Go vegetarian for a day: If you can cut down on meat, even once per week, you can have an immense effect on the planet's health. It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef.

Also see: 25 of the most beautiful places around the world

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