Making “Earth Day” Last All Year
Last week, people around the world joined together to celebrate “Earth Day”. Every year, April 22nd is a day where individuals, groups, schools, companies, and communities can take a moment to reflect and take action to benefit our planet. Those actions include teaching and increasing awareness of environmental issues and climate change, as well as revising lifestyles, diets, and habits to embrace a more eco-friendly and sustainable existence.
First held on April 22, 1970, Earth Day has expanded its reach and now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EarthDay.org (formerly Earth Day Network) including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
At AquaGrove, we consider every day to be Earth Day; sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. From reducing water waste by up to 90% (vs. conventional farming) to adding solar power to our systems, our aquaponic technology puts the earth and healthy living first. For Earth Day 2022, we put together a brief list of actions anyone can take to decrease their carbon footprint, making a transition to a sustainable lifestyle easy and attainable. In addition to our list (see graphic), here is a more detailed outline of five things you can do right now to make a positive difference and keep Earth Day going throughout the year:
Ditch the Plastic – It’s a fact - Humans use about 1.2 million plastic bottles per minute in total, and approximately 91% of plastic is not recycled. Roughly half of our global annual plastic production is destined for a single-use product. You can help be part of the solution by using reusable water bottles and seeking alternatives for any single-use plastic products including straws, utensils and packaging.
Adopt a Plant-based Diet – Did you know that food is the cause of 30 percent of carbon emissions? It’s true - beef produces the most greenhouse gas emissions (methane), and an estimated 1,800 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef. With that much water you could take 105 eight-minute showers a day! Animal agriculture takes up land and is a leading cause of deforestation. It takes more than 11 times as much fossil fuel to make one calorie from animal protein as it does to make one calorie from plant protein. On the other hand, plant-based meat uses 72%–99% less water than conventional meat and doesn’t require the use of antibiotics. With a strong push for vegan lifestyles, many restaurants and companies now offer plant-based options on their menus and in their products. Consider it a chance to try something new, while providing major benefits to the planet.
Go Solar – AquaGrove was founded and created from a solar thermal (PVT) technology company and product (Power Panel) and has offered solar power options for aquaponic systems for years. There is simply no denying the incredible and positive impact that solar power has and will continue to have on the health of our planet. By going solar, you can reduce the demand for fossil fuels, limit greenhouse gas emissions, and shrink your own carbon footprint, not to mention the savings you will see on your power bill.
Join a Cleanup – Consider starting your own or joining an existing cleanup. From beaches to parks, there are so many places that could use a helping hand in picking up waste. To get started, check out the resources for joining the Great Global Cleanup on the Earth Day website.
Plant a Sustainable Garden – Growing your own food is not only beneficial for the environment; it can also provide great financial and health benefits. With aquaponic systems like AquaGrove, you can take your gardening a step further by farming fish and healthy greens simultaneously in any climate and year-round. It’s never too late or too early to start a sustainable garden.
To learn more about Earth Day and gain access to resources and educational toolkits, visit https://www.earthday.org/. To find out how you can begin your own sustainable aquaponic garden, contact AquaGrove for more information.