Page 34 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Celebrate
Earth Day
March comes in like a lion in the Northeast, but hopefully, it eventually goes out like a lamb. We start seeing the first real signs of spring and, by April, it
might be warm enough to spend more time in the great outdoors! April 22 is Earth Day, a global holiday that reminds us all to be kind to Mother Nature. In recent years, as part of an effort to “go green,” AAA Hudson Valley has added charging stations for electric vehicles at some of our locations. We also have eliminated the use of plastic bags at our Travel Stores and transitioned to an online membership handbook.
There are many things that you can do to celebrate Earth Day, not only on April 22 but every day of the year. Some of these will not only be good for the environment, but good for your general health and well-being.
Go explore. When it heats up a bit and the snow has melted, take a stroll in your neighborhood or a nearby park. Go for a bike ride. Getting out to take in the sights can be comforting and also exciting. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you can attempt a hike. New York State has some of the best and most exciting options, including the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks. Of course, make sure to clean up after yourself if you stop for a snack!
Recycle and compost. Sometimes we get lazy and throw things in the trash even if they are made from recyclable materials. Make an effort to check around and see if recycling is an option, especially while you’re out in public. If you are in the habit already of recycling, make sure you’re properly rinsing out containers if possible. In
Shutterstock: Bobex-73
certain cases, contents inside a recyclable container might cause it to be rejected from salvaging. If you still have boxes from all the online shopping you’ve been doing lately, break them down and make more room for other items in the bin. Additionally, teach yourself about composting and find out if there are ways you can be doing this at home.
Review your product usage. Did you know water bottles and other products on the market have high traces of a potentially harmful chemical called bisphenol A (BPA)? Check your bottled water of choice and consider switching to a brand with BPA-free packaging. Another wonderful option is getting a water filter and using a reusable bottle. This creates less waste. Check labels on your cleaning products and beauty products. There are many remarkable organic brands out there using only natural and safe ingredients.
Let your garden grow. Were you blessed with the green thumb? Since we’re already spending more time at home, it might be a great time to start or expand your home garden. Raspberry bushes for homemade jam? Fresh tomatoes and pea pods for a garden salad? Yes, please. And who wouldn’t want to look at beautiful fresh flowers with vibrant colors from their porch? Get out your tools and get started!
No matter how you choose to celebrate, remember we only have one Earth and we need to take care of her.
Emily Gnacik is the Editor of AAA Every Day Magazine.
34 I MAR/APR 2021