5 Tangible Ways to Protect Mother Earth This Earth Day and Every Day

Simple lifestyle shifts that make a big impact – for you, and the planet.

Every April 22, Earth Day reminds us of the beautiful planet we call home—and why it’s worth protecting. But what if our daily habits could do more than just “celebrate” Earth Day? What if they could actually help heal it?

Here are 5 tangible ways to start living more sustainably—without overhauling your entire life. Whether you're new to eco-conscious living or looking for practical tips to reduce waste, these Earth-friendly practices are easy to adopt and powerful in impact.

1. Recycle Right: Know What Can Be Diverted from the Landfill

Not everything with a triangle symbol belongs in the recycling bin. To truly divert waste from landfills, we need to understand what’s actually recyclable.

Recyclable items are materials that can be collected, processed, and turned into new products. In most cities, this includes:

• Clean paper and cardboard

• Hard plastics (with recycling codes #1-7)

• Glass bottles and jars

• Aluminum and tin cans

Pro tip: Always rinse food containers before recycling them, and avoid “wish-cycling” (tossing questionable items into the bin and hoping for the best). When in doubt, check your local recycling guide. You can also donate them to the WINS (Women In Need Society) Donation Centre so these items can go through proper recycling process.

2. Thrift Instead of Supporting Fast Fashion

Did you know that making a single new cotton t-shirt can use up to 2,700 litres of water? That’s enough to hydrate one person for nearly 2.5 years.

By shopping secondhand, you're not just saving money—you’re saving valuable resources. Thrifting extends the life of clothing, reduces demand for resource-heavy manufacturing, and keeps perfectly good garments out of landfills. Bonus? You’ll find unique pieces with way more personality than anything off the rack.

3. Go Reusable—Not Disposable

One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by swapping disposables for reusables:

• Carry a reusable water bottle

• Bring your own shopping bags

• Keep a zero waste kit in your bag: think cutlery, napkin, straw, and a small container

Small changes to your routine = fewer items in the landfill.

4. Rethink Your Bathroom Routine

Look at your bathroom waste—especially single-use plastics. Try these eco swaps:

• Replace plastic shampoo bottles with bar shampoo

• Use compostable floss and reusable cotton rounds

• Opt for toothpaste tablets or products with recyclable packaging

These swaps cut down on waste and toxins entering our waterways.

5. Compost What You Can

Food scraps don’t belong in landfills—they can become rich soil instead. Composting reduces methane emissions and gives your garden a nutrient-rich boost.

If you’re in Calgary, check out City of Calgary Green Cart Composting Program or start a countertop bin for veggie peels, coffee grounds, and more.

Start with just one of the tips above. When one action becomes second nature, add another. The planet doesn’t need perfection—it needs all of us trying.

🌱 Together, we can create a world where sustainability is second nature.