Celebrate Earth Day in Albuquerque

Environmentalism was not always something at the forefront of my mind, but since becoming a mom, I can’t help but think about how we can all do more to reduce our footprint to make sure this Earth is still a good place to live for our kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

Sometimes I read about problems that are so big, like our Earth’s pollution and extinction of species, and I get overwhelmed and think there’s nothing that I can actually do about it.

But if everybody did something, would it work?

If everyone did a few small things, big things would happen!

Embracing sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple practices make a big difference.

Reduce consumption and reuse materials by avoiding unnecessary purchases and opting for durable products or second-hand items.

Refuse single-use plastics to curb pollution and protect ecosystems.

Soil care is vital; healthy soil acts as a carbon sink, retaining water, and supporting biodiversity. Choose composting and native plant gardens over chemical treatments for lawns.

Utilize renewable energy like solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and save money. Stay informed about environmental policies and advocate for change. Small actions, like these, contribute to a sustainable future for generations.

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Five Changes You Can Make for Earth Day:

1. Eat Better

The meat industry generates one fifth of the greenhouse gasses. Pesticides are harmful to the environment and damage the nervous systems of bees causing them to abandon their hives and pollinate the plants we need to live.

Make it a point to eat less meat, poultry, and dairy. Start a Meatless Monday. Start basing more of your meals around plants instead of meat, and use things like beans and lentils for your protein.

Buy organic when you can. Shop in-season items to make this more affordable (and maybe put the chips, crackers, and cookies back. I know these things take up a lot of my budget when I get them).

Include your kids in your plans to eat better! Have them pick out veggies at the store to try and then help prepare at home. My two-year-old loves this! Or plant your own organic garden. There are some great nurseries in Albuquerque, and this is the perfect time of year to do some planting!

2. Ditch Plastic

I really should say reduce because I know we aren’t really going to ditch it all. But plastic fills landfills and oceans at alarming rates. It’s toxic to marine life and the coral reef systems, and it’s toxic to us.

Easy Ways to Reduce Plastic Use

• Reusable bags at the grocery store. They even make reusable produce bags!
• Reusable water bottles and mugs.
• Use real utensils instead of plastic ones.
• No more paper plates.

3. Shop with Intention

Clothing fills so much of our landfills and uses so many resources to produce it. We tend to turn over our closets quickly or just have way too much in them. A simple way to help here is to not just shop deals, but to buy only what you really love and need. Think about whether you’d wear an item 30 times when you are considering purchasing and consider thrifting.

4. Conserve Water

This one may be obvious, but it is important. The average American uses 82 gallons of water at home every day. There are plenty of ways to conserve our water. For example, take shorter showers or turn the water off while brushing your teeth. You can save pasta water and use it to water your plants.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce your consumption, and purchase items with minimal packaging. Use your reusable bags and reusable produce bags at the grocery store.

Reuse packaging that can be used again. Glass jars have so many uses! I personally go through so much formula, and the packaging can easily be reused for other things, like storage of art supplies.

Recycle anything that is at the end of its life cycle.

Below are some events happening in the Albuquerque area for Earth Day.