Five Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day! Earth Day was started in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson. It's a day to celebrate and honor our planet.

Linn County is committed to environmental sustainability and resource protection. Everyone can invest in our planet and make a difference.

Here are 5 easy things you can do to protect our plant year-round:

1. Recycle Right
   Recycling is an important way to reduce waste and protect our environment, but not all materials can be recycled. A recycling symbol does not guarantee the item is recyclable. Non-recyclable items in the recycling stream can contaminate an entire load of materials. Visit your recycling provider's website to find out what items they will accept. Learn more about recycling on the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency website.
2. Reuse Items
   Reuse or repurpose containers, clothing, and cloth grocery bags. Give clothes a second life by donating or buying used.
3. Eat Locally Grown Food
   Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables or purchase locally grown food, you are helping to reduce the distance the food travels, thereby helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Check your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer before shopping to avoid buying foods you don't need.
4. Minimize Power Usage
   Like your parents probably told you, turn off lights when you're not using them. Unplugging small appliances, like your blender or toaster, can also add up to big energy savings.
5. Stay Informed
   The more we know about sustainability, resiliency, and our environment and how our choices affect our planet, the better equipped we are to make a meaningful difference economically and environmentally. Linn County offers many ways to stay informed through News Flashes, the Food Systems Council, Soil Conservation, and the Sustainability Department. Sign up today.

For more information about Earth Day and how you can help make a difference, visit www.epa.gov/earthday.