Patch Picks: Ways To Make the Earth A Better Place

Earth Day is April 22 and many Potomac residents may be looking for ways to give back and help the environment. 

In this week’s Patch Picks, we are going to highlight some of the ways Potomac residents can help save the planet whether it is through small acts like turning off the lights when you’re not in the room or larger missions like carpooling or organizing a community cleanup.

1. Green your commute: Cars and their emissions can have a big impact on the environment. Instead of driving everywhere this month, make a point of using Ride On and other forms of public transportation or carpooling. Don’t forget, Bike to Work Day is May 20. During Bike to Work Day there will be 50 regional pit stops throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia where participants can get their free Bike to Work Day t-shirt, enjoy free snacks and drinks, enter to win some excellent raffle prizes, meet other bike commuters and most importantly have some fun celebrating bicycling as a clean, inexpensive and fun mode of transportation.

2. Plant a tree: Earth Day tree planting with the Montgomery Soil Conservation District will take place on April 22. The tree planting will help reforest 10 acres of open grass. Volunteers are reminded to wear old shoes or boots, gloves and clothing that can get dirty. Be sure to bring a shovel and check out the Montgomery County Volunteer Center’s website for more details.

3. Shred, recycle and donate: Don’t miss out on the Division of Solid Waste Services’ community shred later this month. Shred and recycle your confidential paper and donate clothing and household goods in working condition. The shredding will go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Walter John High School on April 30. To volunteer at the event contact the volunteer coordinator at 240-777-6445.

4. : Get out and enjoy nature while cleaning up the area with the Potomac Conservancy’s Earth Day clean up along the C&O Canal on April 22. From 1o a.m. to 3 p.m., volunteers will be picking up trash, pruning vegetation along trails, and repairing the towpath around Lock 8. Wear clothes that can get dirty and meet at the River Center at Lock 8, located at 7906 Riverside Dr.

5. Do your part: Whether it’s unplugging your computer when you’re not using it or turning off the tap water when brushing your teeth, people are contributing ways they want to help save the planet on the Earth Day website. People are sharing their recent “acts of green” to help keep them accountable and inspire others. Check out some of the recent posts for good ideas and share some of your own, too.