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Published: 2022-04-19 10:22:00 Updated: 2022-04-19 10:22:00

Posted April 19, 2022 10:22 a.m. EDT

By Tara Lynn, WRAL contributor

Raleigh, N.C. — The most important lesson I learned as a Girl Scout was to always leave the places I’d been, better than it was. No matter if that was our camping site, a troop meeting at somebody’s house, or working on a badge, we were always encouraged to take pride in the world around us and how we treated our surroundings.

Earth Day is observed on April 22 as a day to celebrate and encourage conservation efforts. Here are some ways you and your family can help the planet and community together.

Now that we are all leaving the house again, you may need a reminder to make sure all of the lights are turned off before you leave. Maybe you could switch to light bulbs that use less energy like LEDs or even keep the thermostat steady between all the wild spring temperature swings we are having.

We had new windows installed in our room over the garage last fall. I have been amazed at the temperature difference. We had to bring in space heaters to keep the room warm last winter. This year, we could comfortably be in the room without having to pile on extra layers.

Duke Energy Progress has an option to receive monthly emails that break down where you are using the most energy. You can see how usage compares to kitchen appliances, lighting, laundry, electronics, heating, cooling, and items that are “always on.” It can be a great way to know what places you can make changes.

Opt for biodegradable/compostable bags for picking up dog waste. This helps cut down on plastic and keeps pet waste from contaminating the water supply. RethinkRunOff.com says “pet waste is not only harmful to water quality but it can also transmit diseases and parasites to humans and pets.”

Have rogue pet owners in your neighborhood that don’t pick up after their dogs? Work with your HOA to hire a local pet waste clean-up company. Many will also install waste stations with bags. We have several companies that offer those services here in the Triangle.

If you want to really kick it up a notch, you can apparently compost pet waste. There are septic tank-like systems and some composting sites or companies may accept pet waste. Check their websites before you load up your car though. Phew.

This is something my family is working on! We have been reworking our side yard where we had a lot of water run-off issues. We have been making it pollinator, dog, and kid-friendly. You can check out our progress here.

Did you know that more than 75 percent of the world’s flowering plants (that includes fruits and vegetables) depend on pollinators to survive? Meanwhile, the pollinator population, bees especially, has been in rapid decline around the world.

You can help by planting your own garden that helps attract and house these vital fertilizers. The NC State Extension has a great list of pollinator-friendly plants on its website here.

You can find classes, online videos, and even more inspiration with the Extension’s Master Gardener website.

My oldest daughter and I have been on a few walks to collect litter and trash. This is such an easy way for the entire family to get involved. Grab a pair of gloves and a few trash bags. You can usually find enough litter to separate it into trash and recyclables. Visit your local park or maybe stay after soccer practice or a baseball game and help pick up wayward trash that didn’t make it into the trash cans on site.

One of the easiest ways (in theory) to help reduce waste is to consume less. It can be harder to do in practice in the product-driven world we live in. There are ways you can make small changes that really do add up. Use reusable plastic or cloth bags when packing your kids’ lunches. Take your own bags to the grocery store rather than use plastic bags.

Maybe you stop buying toys that require batteries (OMG! Why do they all have to have batteries these days!) There are more and more toy companies that are finding sustainable ways to entertain kids.

Look for products that are made from recycled materials. Consider doing a toy swap with friends or neighbors before the holidays rather than buying more at a store.

For more information and ideas on how to celebrate Earth Day and leave your world a better place, check out https://www.earthday.org/.

Tara Lynn is a former WRAL reporter and anchor. She lends her 15-plus years in journalism to tell visual stories through love-filled photography for families of all kinds. The mother of three little humans and one senior rescue dog believes in celebrating magic in the little things, the big loves, and the imperfect moments that make the most remarkable memories. Her vision is to help families celebrate and share their love through photography and curated album artwork that become timeless keepsakes connecting multiple generations...because moments often pass in the blink of an eye, and the photographs we take connect us to our memories and our great loves, forever.

You can find Tara Lynn on Instagram at @TaraLynn_andCo and TaraLynnAndCo.com. Learn more about her photography at TaraLynnAndCoPhoto.com.

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