Earth Day in Minnesota

Learn about how SET, Inc. honors, celebrates, and participates in Earth Day.

Protecting the planet

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd, dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices that protect our planet. Climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity continue to threaten the health and well-being of our communities and ecosystems. Bringing awareness to the little things people can do to improve the planet that we all borrow from our children is a key first step to starting change.

One of the best ways to contribute to Earth Day is by adopting eco-friendly habits that reduce our carbon footprint. This includes using reusable bags, bottles, and containers, reducing energy and water consumption, composting organic waste, and by using public transportation or carpooling whenever possible. Transitioning to BPI certified compostable plastics and making sure they get to a compost site is another significant way to help eliminate single use plastics that belong in a landfill. Additionally, participating in community cleanups, supporting local environmental organizations, and advocating for environmental policies and regulations can make a positive impact. SET supports local labeling efforts to change some of the greenwashing tactics used by companies so consumers who want to do better for the environment are actually making the right purchases.

Your yard maintenance can even play a big role in contributing to Earth Day! By using sustainable landscaping practices, such as planting native plants, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, or conserving water, homeowners can create a more eco-friendly and healthy environment for their communities and wildlife. Additionally, choosing electric or manual lawn tools instead of gas-powered ones can reduce air pollution and noise pollution. When you do this yard maintenance, any waste left over can be brought to one of our locations to be processed into organic compost or wood mulch! This can include sticks, logs, leaves, grass clippings, flowers, and other organic materials. Creating and using compost reduces methane, helps hold water in soils, adds nutrients for plants, creates healthier plants less susceptible to stress or pests, and sequesters carbon in the soil.

Earth Day is an important occasion to reflect on our relationship with the environment and take action to protect our planet for future generations. By making small changes in our daily lives and supporting environmental initiatives, we can all contribute to creating a more sustainable and thriving world. Help SET create a better path for the future!