Earth Day 2025
Happy Earth Day! This year’s earth day theme is “our power, our planet”. To celebrate, we’re going to discuss how you can focus your energy based on the Hierarchy of Environmental Action. First, start your environmental actions at level 1, and work your way up with your remaining energy!
Level 1: Prevent waste at the source.
By preventing waste before it is created, we can make the greatest environmental impact as individuals. You can do this in your daily life by following the expanded 3R’s. Prevent waste by reusing your items. Avoid single use products, such as plastic water bottles and plastic grocery bags. Instead of buying a new trendy water bottle, use one you already have! Prevent production and disposal wastes by reducing your purchases. Avoid any unnecessary purchases you can, and purchase secondhand if possible. Lastly, when waste is unavoidable, avoid a landfill! Find out where you can recycle or donate your items and make sure you know what is and isn’t recyclable: https://wwrarecycles.org/what-can-i-recycle/
Level 2: Make meaningful choices.
Vote with your dollar! Use your purchasing power to support brands with environmental values, buy recycled products, and prevent production waste by buying secondhand wherever possible.
Level 3: Educate (yourself and others).
Start on the easiest: recycling! Recycling is simple with the WWRA. Visit our website to learn what is and isn’t recyclable, and email us at wwraeduoutreach@gmail.com with any questions. As for educational media recommendations, here are some to try out. Feel free to leave your favorite in the comments! Book: The Story of Stuff. Movie: Anthropocene: The Human Epoch. YouTube: Us! www.youtube.com/@WWRARecycling
Level 4: Create local connections.
Connections and communications is where environmental action thrives! Participate in board meetings for the WWRA or your City Council to learn more about environmental issues in your community. Join advocacy groups like Chelsea Zero Waste to get involved. Give away unwanted items on Facebook No Buy or Marketplace. Lastly, organize a community clean up day to celebrate Earth Month!
Level 5: Participate in Large-Scale Advocacy.
This level won’t be the bulk of your environmental action, but is an important step! Make sure you connect with level 3 and stay educated on environmental issues on a state, national, and global scale. Contact businesses about their environmental practices, and ask them to do better! Share environmental news and resources, like this one, with your friends and family!