Earth Day Every Day: Simple Shifts for a Healthier Planet

 

Earth Day isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action. As public health becomes increasingly linked with environmental outcomes, it’s time to look at everyday changes we can make to help the planet and ourselves.

🌍 Shift Your Energy Use for a Cleaner Grid

What is one of the simplest but most powerful actions you can take? Change when you use electricity.

According to the Texas Advisory and Notification System (ERCOT), shifting appliance usage to off-peak hours (typically from 9 PM to 7 AM) can help reduce strain on the power grid and lower your electricity bill. Using energy outside of peak times, which is typically between 3 PM to 8 PM especially in warmer months.

Here’s how to make it easy:

• Run major appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers before 7 am or after 9 PM, or if needed, in the middle of the day when electricity prices are typically low and often largely powered by renewable sources, such as solar.
• Use timers to schedule appliance use automatically.
• Turn off lights and unplug devices that aren’t in use.
• Adjust your thermostat during peak hours—just a degree or two warmer in summer can make a difference.
• Close blinds and drapes to help reduce heat gain from the sun.

 

*Photo credit: ERCOT’s Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS)

More tips here: How to Conserve Energy at Home

 

🌬 Clean Energy = Cleaner Air

The way we power our lives has real consequences for our lungs. The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million premature deaths in 2023 were linked to air pollution—contributing to asthma, heart disease, respiratory infections, and more. You can take a deeper dive into the connection between energy and air quality by reading our recent blog.

As cities and states consider shifting to cleaner energy supply sources, there’s an urgent need for policies that prioritize the nexus between energy and public health. Stay informed on legislative efforts that affect energy efficiency and air quality through SPEER’s legislative tracker for both Texas and Oklahoma—because change starts with awareness.

 

🔁 Embrace the Circular Economy

With supply chains evolving, reuse and repair are more important than ever this Earth Day. A circular economy, where we prioritize reusing, repairing, and recycling instead of tossing things into landfills, has the power to:

• Cut greenhouse gas emissions
• Reduce demand for energy-intensive manufacturing
• Minimize waste and environmental degradation

Whether it’s fixing a small appliance or donating unused items to nonprofits that need them, your actions matter. Curious about how repair and reuse can combat global waste and trade challenges? Check out The Restart Project.

Austin’s Circular Economy Program is a great example, the principles apply anywhere: learn more.

 

💚 Small Choices, Big Impact

This Earth Day let’s commit to small shifts that add up—whether that’s running the dishwasher at night, fixing rather than replacing, or staying informed about local energy policies. Because the choices we make at home ripple outward, shaping the world we’ll leave behind.

Happy Earth Day—today and every day. 🌱