MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE ECO-FRIENDLY
Reducing your carbon footprint has never been easier! Now with so many alternatives to plastic and other one-time use products, you can live a life with less waste and do your part in keeping the planet clean and healthy.
Reusable Bags
Grocery stores across the country are now charging for plastic bags and while it may be slightly tedious, it’s definitely a push to get yourself a cute reusable bag. Reusable bags can be found at your local grocery store or if you want to show off your style, check out these tote bags from Sophie Stargazer.
Refillable Water Bottle
The United States throws away 35 billion plastic water bottles a year. If you don’t think your usage adds up, think again. If the average person drinks four water bottles in a day that’s 1,460 bottles that are thrown out just by one person in a year! Getting a refillable water bottle not only helps reduce waste, but also saves you money. Here are some places to shop.
Susan’s Treasures, Collage Gift Shop, Ville and Rue
Switch Up Your Kitchenware
Say goodbye to one-use products in the kitchen and say hello to silicone. Nowadays you can find silicone reusable sandwich bags, stretch lids that keep your food fresh, and so much more. It’s highly durable, ocean-friendly, and will also save you money on needing to buy one-use products like saran wrap and aluminum foil. Head to these places to see what they have in store!
The Kitchen Shoppe, Red Bud House , Zest!
PARTICIPATE IN AN EARTH DAY CLEAN UP
Parks across the Susquehanna Valley are hosting clean-up days to help get rid of any trash or debris. This is a great way to give back to the community for a few hours, here are some we found.
Earth Day Clean Up | Lancaster County Central Park | 1 Nature’s Way Lancaster, PA
On Thursday, April 22 from 2 - 3:30 p.m., you can join Naturalist Lisa J. Sanchez to clean up the Earth and support wildlife.
Adopt a Block | Lancaster Young Professionals | Lancaster, PA
Meet the Lancaster Young Professionals on Thursday, April 22 at 6 p.m. for an evening of picking up trash and making the block beautiful. They’ll also provide trash bags and gloves. Be sure to register on their website.
Earth Day Clean Up | Valley Lea Riding Club | Drumore, PA
Valley Lea Riding Club invites all members and the public to join them in celebrating Earth Day by cleaning up their recreation space on Saturday, April 24 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. There will even be a raffle for you to get a chance to win fun stuff!
GET A PLANT
If planting a tree is too much commitment, add in other greenery to your life. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what plants you can buy to freshen up your space. Whether you love ferns or are partial to low-maintenance succulents, we’ve made a list of greenhouses in our area where you can find a new plant friend. Don’t know where to start? We’ve listed some plant recommendations.
Snake Plant
Snake plants absorb excess amounts of carbon dioxide, leaving behind fresher air which increases the quality. Be sure to give your plant indirect sunlight and water every two weeks.
Spider Plant
Spider plants thrive indoors and only need moderate lighting and watering once a week. Because of their low maintenance style, spider plants make the perfect home office plant.
Ficus Elastica
Breathe easy with this plant as it clears the air of toxins and excess amounts of mold. To work at its best, ficus elastica needs to be moist and drained properly. A bit of misting to the leaves will not only keep the plant moisturized, but will enhance the appearance.
See more plant recs here!
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
Whether it’s going for a run, bike ride, or a brisk walk, take your routine outside and appreciate Mother Nature. Here are a few of our favorite spots to check out!
Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail | Broad Street, Lititz, PA
This scenic rail trail is the perfect combination of local history and beautiful views. Walking or biking on the Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail-Trail is a must visit for the perfect afternoon.
York Heritage Trail | York, PA
With almost 26 miles to explore, the York Heritage Trail is perfect for breathing in some fresh air. Be sure to check their website for which trails are open and where to start on your journey.
Pole Steeple Trail | Newville, PA
Get ready for lake views and cascading trees. If you’re looking for a bit of a steep challenge, you’ll want to check out Pole Steeple Trail.
For more rail trails in the Susquehanna Valley, click here.
DONATE TO A LOCAL ORGANIZATION
Whether it’s monetary or an item based donation, organizations across the Susquehanna Valley are aiming to make environmental differences that make a big impact.
Farm and Natural Lands Trust | 350 N George St, York, PA
This non-profit believes in the conservation of agricultural and environmental landscapes in York County. Their mission is to continue to protect natural resources like woodlands, streams, and more.
Lancaster Conservancy | 117 S West End Ave, Lancaster, PA
With over 50 years of protecting wildlife and clean water, the Lancaster Conservancy continues to educate and provide resources to people of all ages.
Lancaster Creative Reuse | 1865 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA
Have arts and crafts supplies you no longer use? Don’t throw them out! Lancaster Creative Reuse aims to inspire and increase accessibility to arts supplies through their low-cost store.
Sierra Club PA Environmental Organization | 225 Market St STE 501, Harrisburg, PA
Dedicated to protecting natural resources, the Sierra Club hopes to make communities a healthier place for future generations.
