It’s almost Valentines’ Day! Let’s show our love for the planet. We all live here together, so showing love for our planet is also a way of caring for our family, friends, and neighbors.

1.Participate in Meatless Monday (or Tuesday, or …)

Eating more fruits, vegetables, greens, and grains than eggs, dairy, and meat can help the environment.  We call this eating “lower on the food chain.” This is because animal products need more space, water, and energy to produce than other foods. 

Americans eat nearly four times more animal protein than the world average. There are other ways besides animals to get protein.

Did you know that eating less meat keeps our water usage low? Livestock need a lot more water than vegetables and grains. About 1,850 gallons of water are needed to produce a single pound of beef, while about 39 gallons of water are needed to produce a pound of vegetables. 

Eating less meat also helps reduce greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, for instance) in the environment. Producing meat results in significantly more greenhouse gases than growing vegetables. 

2. Plant a tree

Yes, this is a classic way to love the planet, but it’s important and fun. King County is working with many local organizations to plant one million trees by the end of 2020. That’s a lot of trees! You can find a volunteer work party near you and personally plant some of those million trees.

3. Long (trash) walk on the beach

Sometimes trash is left behind or washes up on beaches.  Many creatures live there, and you can help them have a clean habitat.  Seahurst Park in Burien, WA has a spectacular beach and trail system.  At low tide, there are many creatures to observe.  Golden Gardens in Seattle has a long, sandy beach and many people visit to enjoy the sunset.  Find a beach near you to leave cleaner than you found it.

4. Write or call your representatives

Personal actions in our daily life are great ways to love the planet.  Also, our elected senators and representatives help make laws that affect our planet.  They love to hear from people who they represent, by email, letter, or phone. This helps them know what issues matter to us!  Getting in touch with your representatives is an important personal action, and they always love to hear from young people. Here is the page to find the contact info for your lawmakers.

Each of us has unique talents and interests to offer the Earth. How do you show your love for the planet?