Zero Emissions Day

September 21^st is Zero Emissions Day (ZeDay). ZeDay was created to “give the planet one day off a year.” The ZeDay movement is extremely important when it comes to raising awareness for the enormous amount of fossil fuels our planet uses on a day-to-day basis. This specific day was chosen because the day and nights are equal, with equal light in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
There are three simple rules for the day:

• Don’t use or burn oil, gas, or coal.
• Minimize or eliminate use of electricity generated by fossil fuels.
• Don’t put anyone in harm’s way: All essential and emergency services operate normally.

Here are some simple ways to prepare for ZeDay:­­­

• Use a portable solar charger for your cell phone and tablets.
• Eat the food stored in the refrigerator and freezer prior to turning off your power for the day. Avoid going grocery shopping for refrigerated foods right before ZeDay. After ZeDay, it might be a good time to give your refrigerator a good cleaning before restocking.
• Enjoy the simplicity and easy living of the day by not turning on light switches and appliances.
• Ride a bike or walk instead of driving your car. Cycling is one of the most efficient forms of transportation. If you can’t completely cut your car out of your daily routine, consider carpooling or taking public transportation. Some areas halt multiple forms of transportation. Research participation for your area and plan ahead to ensure the day will not interrupt your commute.

You can continue to reduce your carbon footprint after ZeDay!

• Purchase food from your local farmers market. Locally produced items do not have to travel on planes to get to you, so purchasing locally can reduce your carbon footprint.
• Carpool with coworkers or take public transportation to work or to run errands.
• Purchase used pre-owned items (like a table or lamp), reuse and recycle items from your home.
• Enroll your home’s energy supply in ECO-Advantage^TM, which matches 100% of your electricity usage with national Green-e® Energy certified, wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

Want to learn more about going green? Check out our information on renewable energy or enroll today!
Find us on Facebook and tell us what you do to reduce your carbon footprint.

Sources:
CNN
RecycleBank
Science Cycling
ZeroEmissionsDay.org
Plastic Pollution Coalition