10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day All Year in Gig Harbor

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 10 ways you can be eco-friendly long after Earth Day is over:

1. Plant a tree: Trees produce oxygen and help reduce air pollution. A single tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants a year, and produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen, according to the nonprofit American Forests.

2. Recycle reusable materials: The average person generates more than four pounds of trash every day and about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year, according to DoSomething.org.

3. Donate or recycle used electronics: Electronic waste includes computers, cell phones, televisions and other electronic devices in working or non-working condition that are no longer used. They can be donated through Washington's ECycle program.

4. Cut back on driving: Use public transportation, organize a carpool, ride a bike or walk whenever possible. Leaving your car at home two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.

5. Reduce your energy use: Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. In the average home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. Peninsula Light Company and Puget Sound Energy also offer energy-saving tips for your home.

6. Use reusable bags: Each year, Americans throw away about 100 billion polyethylene plastic bags and about 10 billion paper bags, according to Earth911.

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. The Gig Harbor Farmers Market is available every Saturday through Sept. 28. Wednesday and Sunday market at Skansie Brothers Park will start in June.

8. Clean up the earth: More than 51 billion pieces of litter land on U.S. roadways each year, and litter cleanup costs the nation almost $11.5 billion each year, according to the nonprofit Keep America Beautiful.

9. Explore the outdoors.

Get to know your community better and explore the beauty of nature. Go for a walk, run or hike with friends and family, or a group.

10. Participate in eco-friendly activities.

Earth Day is April 22, but many people extend the celebration to make it Earth Week.

The annual Arbor Day celebration in Gig Harbor is this Saturday, April 27. The free event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Peninsula High School Commons. Visit the Gig Harbor Peninsula Arbor Day website for more information.

Is your group or organization holding an Earth Day or Earth Week Activity? Add it to our calendar!

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Sign up for the daily newsletter