Happy Earth Day – Making the best of household items

ALEPENA, Mich. – April 22 is Earth Day. The day’s mission is to diversify, educate and activate the environmental movement worldwide.

One local environmental advocate talked to WBKB about what we can do on an individual and household level

Since 1970, Earth Day has raised public awareness on pollution and other environmental issues.

“From our land, to our water,” said Great Lakes Great Responsibility Founder Meag Schwartz.

The Alpena native is working hard to make sure water in Northeast Michigan is preserved.

But she also wants to make sure people are making the best of individual and household waste.

“Just refusing to single use items, so that includes things like plastic cutlery, Styrofoam plates, and plastic water bottles,” said Schwartz.

There are many alternatives. Schwartz said you can also buy in bulk.

“Avoid individually packaged items,” said Schwartz. “Locally there’s the Refill Shoppe at Bella Rose that offers bulk products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and you can refill your own receptacles.”

Also think about reselling or repurposing items around the house.

“If you can find a way to reuse items, to avoid sending them to a landfill that’s a great solution,” said Schwartz.

These small steps can help keep our earth and communities clean one day at a time.

If you’d like to do your part for earth day, Great Lakes Great Responsibility is hosting an Earth Day Cleanup Saturday April 24th at Starlite Beach from 10 am until noon. For more information you can visit greatlaskeslove.org.