Earth Day has celebrated our world and conservation efforts since 1970. It’s a great time to think about ways to use sustainable energy and save our earth. There are various ways students can reduce their use of energy.

Lisa Schulte Moore, associate chair and professor in the department of natural resource ecology and management, spoke about ways she incorporates sustainability in the way she lives.

“On a personal level, I’m a big fan of integrating my workout into my daily activities,” Schulte Moore said. “For yard work, I opt for a rotary push mower and rake instead of loud, stinky, gas or electricity-guzzling power lawn mower and leaf blower.”

There are various ways for students to save the world, such as volunteer work on and off campus.

Ashley Heins, sophomore in biology, described where volunteer groups have taken her.

“I’m really big into working in volunteer groups,” Heins said. “I’ve gone to Detroit and New Orleans for volunteers trips where we work to clean up low-income housing.”

Heins added why those experiences and opportunities are so important to her.

“Those are my favorite experiences when working toward helping other people and making the planet better,” Heins said.

According to Live Green!, there are ways students can start small to help save the earth.

Walk, ride your bike around campus or use CyRide instead of driving. These are all free and effective ways to minimize carbon emissions.

Recycle goods. Whether this means going to the nearest recycle bin or donating to your nearest shelter, recycling is a great way to eliminate waste that can be reused.

Take a quick shower. Eliminating just one minute of showering saves four gallons of water.

Use your own water bottle or mug instead of something disposable. There are countless drinking fountains on campus made specifically for water bottle use. This reduces waste and is more cost effective as a consumer.

Shop locally and be conscientious of who you’re purchasing from. According to Live Green!, packaging makes up 30 to 50 percent of municipal waste.

Trying to save the earth starts with the first step of making an effort and acknowledging that what you’re doing could be detrimental to our planet. Once you recognize the effects of your actions, it makes saving the world so much easier.