Make Every Day Earth Day

Earth Day is celebrated globally each April 22 to inspire awareness about the importance of protecting our environment and showing how easily everyone can do their part. In honor of Earth Day, learn how you can do your part, every day, to show the Earth some extra love.

Make Every Day a Little Greener

• Cut out paper waste.
  Every year area residents get more than 2 million pounds of paper bills. Do your part and reduce paper waste by signing up for electronic billing programs such as JEA eBill and make electronic payments wherever you can. You’ll save a whole lot of trees in the process.
  
• Feel good about laundry day.
  • Always use cold water to wash.
  • Combine two small loads into one.
  • Keep your dryer vent clean.
  • Hang clothes to dry rather than using the dryer. 
  • Upgrade to a more energy-efficient clothes washer. It can help you save money on your utility bill and benefit the environment.
• Carpool with coworkers.
  If you go to work each day, carpooling can save time, money and a few pounds of CO₂, especially when you carpool in an electric vehicle. It can also reduce wear and tear on each carpooler’s vehicle … all while helping to save the environment. 
  
• Drive electric.
  Electric vehicles are not only more cost-effective to operate than gas-powered vehicles, they're better for the environment. They emit 15 percent to 50 percent less CO₂, based on JEA’s electricity generation mix, than the EPA’s average MPG gasoline engine vehicle. Driving electric can help you save money on driving costs, and with available federal tax credits and insurance benefits, you can save even more when you buy or lease a new EV.
• Take public transportation.
  According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation such as such as buses and trains can reduce harmful CO₂ emissions by up to 37 million metric tons annually. Do your part by leaving your car at home and try out Jacksonville's own public transportation offerings a couple times each week. You'll save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
• Host an eco-swap.
  Have some old stuff you want to get rid of? Do it the green way by inviting a group of friends to your house for an eco-swap where everyone trades their own old items for someone else’s old items. One person's trash is another person’s treasure!
• Plan a nature hike.
  Take in the beauty of Mother Nature by planning a hike with family and friends. Getting out into the great outdoors is a great way to appreciate what Nature has to offer us. Find some great hikes around Jacksonville.
• Plant a tree.
  Give back to Mother Nature by planting a new tree. Make this a fun family project by picking out a new tree together. Let everyone do their part to plant it and then watch it grow for years to come. Make sure to call 811 before you dig and follow good tree-planting practices.