20 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day All Year Long in St. Michael, Albertville

Earth Day is on Monday, April 22.

Founded in 1970 in the U.S. as a day of education about environmental issues, Earth Day is now a globally celebrated holiday. More than one billion people in 192 countries will observe the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day, according to the Earth Day Network.

Although Earth Day is a great reminder to be environmentally conscious, there are plenty of simple ways you can celebrate the earth all year long. Here are just 20 ways you can be eco-friendly long after Earth Day is over:

1. Shut down your computer when you're not using it.

2. Take a shorter shower.

3. Recycle plastic water bottles or use a reusable water bottle.

4. Explore the outdoors. Get to know St. Michael and Albertville better and explore the beauty of nature. Go for a walk, run or hike with friends and family in one of the many parks in the area.

5. Use citronella candles instead of bug spray to repel insects, when you can.

6. Carpool, ride a bus or bike. 

7. Buy locally. The average meal in the U.S. travels 1,200 miles from the farm to your plate, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. Buying locally can save fuel and keep money in your community. Check out the St. Michael Patch business directory or the Shop St. Michael website for businesses in the area. 

8. Borrow books from the St. Michael Library, friend or family member instead of buying them everytime.

9. Unplug appliances and chargers that aren't being used.

10. Switch your lightbulbs to CFLs.

11. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.

12. Plant a garden or shop at the Albertville Farmers Market when it opens.

13. Let your kids color on the back of junk mail or one-sided copies.

14. Give things away instead of throwing them away.

15. Stop paper bank statements and pay bills online.

16. Keep a priority on recycling. Find out more about recycling in Albertville here or St. Michael here and search for recycling. 

17. Don't preheat the oven, unless you really need to.

18. Use old clothes for rags instead of paper towels.

19. Buy secondhand from places like when possible.

20. Remember that no one is perfect. You will better serve the planet by just doing what you can, when you can.

What do you do to help the planet? Please share your tips in comments!