10 Ways To Honor Earth Day Every Day

Concern for our global environment is a core Abbott value. It’s a long-standing, year-round commitment focused on a set of ambitious goals for reducing our impact on the environment. We’re working toward a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 30 percent reduction in total water intake, and a 50 percent reduction in total waste by 2020.*

Building on this work, Abbott employees have long celebrated Earth Day and World Environment Day with events at work and in the community. But these aren’t one-day activities. Rather, they reflect our deep and lasting dedication to making the world a better, healthier place for future generations.

So, in honor of Earth Day 2017 – celebrated this year on April 22 –here are 10 easy ways each of us can celebrate Earth Day every day.

* Follow the 3 R’s. Look for ways you can Reduce, Reuse and Recycle throughout your home. You’ll save natural resources, energy and money, and you’ll reduce waste sent to landfills.
* Conserve energy at home. From turning off lights and electronics when not in use, to using a programmable thermostat, to changing your air filter regularly, there are many small things you can do to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while saving money on your utility bills.
* Reduce paper waste and junk mail. Think twice before printing things at work and home. You can reduce your mail by using online payment options that avoid paper bills. And there are services that will remove your name from unwanted mailing lists to reduce junk mail.
* Recycle your electronics. Your old, unused or broken computers, tablets, phones and other electronics can often be recycled for free by stores, manufacturers and local governments, which saves natural resources while also reducing pollution.
* Give your car a break. Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands, you just might be able to leave your car at home, even a few times a week. Walk, ride a bike, carpool or take public transportation. You’ll save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and get more exercise.
* Turn off the tap. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or taking a shower, turn off the water when it’s not needed.
* Replace your bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and LED bulbs may cost more than incandescent bulbs, but they will save money over the long run, last longer, and use up to 90 percent less energy.
* Bring your own bags to the store. Use a backpack or bag from home, or buy reusable bags that you can keep in your car and use again and again.
* Buy local. Buying local produce and other items reduces shipping distances from food sourced overseas, and also supports local businesses and communities.
* Act local. Get involved in environmental work in your local community. Local schools, governments, and non-profit organizations often offer opportunities for volunteers to get involved in cleaning up parks, restoring habitats, and other efforts to make communities greener.

*Compared to 2010 levels and adjusted for sales