Earth Day Ideas

Celebrate Earth Day every day!

Be a local consumer

Help curb emissions associated with online shopping deliveries and support nearby businesses. When you shop at places in your town or neighborhood, the money you spend supports the local economy. You’ll find all types of independently owned stores and businesses in Oconee County, SC.

Bring your bag(s)

The movie Bag It: Is Your Life Too Plastic? came out in 2010. It was a real eye-opener. But 14 years later, not enough people realize how harmful these ubiquitous items actually are. We’ve got to tackle this problem and stop using disposable plastic bags.

If you don’t already have a supply of reusable bags, there’s cool product from Bagpodz with a zipper carrying case that holds either 5 or 10 sturdy nylon bags. It’s easy to buy the bags–the hard part is remembering to take them inside with you!

Shop at farmers’ markets

Local growers typically use low-impact practices such as composting and fewer synthetic pesticides and chemicals that pollute our soil and water.

The growing season is kicking off and the Foothills Heritage Market is open on Saturdays from 8am – noon. Additional farmers markets will open in May.

Another option is the Clemson Area Food Exchange (CAFE). It’s an online farmers market where you order weekly from the app and your groceries are delivered to one of several pick up locations in Oconee County.

Get involved

Keep America Beautiful is a national non-profit organization that inspires and educates people to improve and beautify communities throughout the country. The organization works with millions of volunteers, 700 community-based affiliates, and receives support from municipalities, elected officials and corporate partners to solve litter problems. Keep America Beautiful is orchestrating the 25th annual Great American Cleanup through June 21, 2023. Check their website to find out how you can take action.

PalmettoPride is South Carolina’s anti-litter and beautification organization. This non-profit was created by state legislature to bring awareness, encourage and empower groups to take ownership of their communities. Check the PalmettoPride website to learn more about litter programs including the 2023 Great South Carolina Cleanup. There’s also Grab A Bag SC, Adopt-A-Highway, report a litterbug, and other ways to join the effort to keep our state clean.

Keep Oconee Beautiful Association (KOBA) is a local non-profit working to restore and maintain the natural beauty of Oconee County, SC. They participate in Adopt-A-Highway, Adopt-A-Spot, and host 2nd Saturday Litter Pick-ups within Oconee County. KOBA works closely with local elementary schools to educate students about litter prevention. Check the KOBA website for ways to get involved here in Oconee County.

Green Steps is an initiative to encourage K-12 schools in South Carolina to take steps toward being more sustainable. Schools work with mentors and Green Step Awards are give for projects that help Conserve, Protect or Restore the school environment. Walhalla High School is currently the only Certified Green Step School in Oconee County. Learn more about the Green Steps initiative here.

DIY

If you’re tired of waiting for “someone else” to do it, do yourself–and the planet–a favor and pick up trash.

We’re living in a world where things are disposable and too often litter gets out of hand. Devote a bit of time to do-it-yourself litter clean up in your neighborhood or go with a group. You may be surprised that it’s actually quite rewarding! Read about the recent Spring Sweep litter clean up here.

Stop throwing so much away

Habits are hard to break. And until companies shift their packaging methods, we’ll have to deal with the consequences of our disposable lifestyle. But you can be a thoughtful human who reduces, reuses and recycles as much as possible to lessen the footprint you leave on the planet.

Consider changing things up:

• Reduce food waste, which reduces wasted resources
• Add a compost pile to your yard
• Carry reusable water bottles
• Limit household water usage by installing rain barrels for gardening
• Think twice about plastic utensils and straws
• Buy in bulk
• Seek out secondhand goods
• Shop at consignment and thrift stores
• Switch from paper billing to online billing
• Fix leaky appliances
• Be sure to run full loads of dishes and laundry

Take a hike

Trying to save the planet and being earth conscience can feel overwhelming. A walk outdoors is almost guaranteed to put you in a better mood!

Hiking somewhere cool–like an amazing waterfall— is fun and gives you an appreciation for nature. Pick a trail and set out for an adventure to bask in one of Earths’ natural places. Trails throughout Oconee County can be found here. We hope you don’t see any to worry about…but just in case, take gloves and trash bags on your walk and pick up as you go.  Thank you!