One of my favorite things about the Scouting community is the dedication people have to being earth-conscious. As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, I wanted to bring focus to air pollution and how we can do our part to reduce our impact on the environment.

Did you know that open waste burning and organic waste in landfills are two ways that we, as individuals, are impacting our earth’s air quality? As far as waste burning goes, about 40% of waste is burned openly worldwide. It’s more common in developing countries, but we also do it here in the United States as individuals (hello, burn barrels). We also harm the environment when we toss our food scraps (organic waste) into our regular garbage, where they end up in landfills. Organic waste makes up about two-thirds of landfill waste, and when it decomposes there, it releases methane. Methane is more potent than carbon dioxide as a heat-trapping gas, making it a significant environmental issue. The good news is that small changes in how you handle waste can make a big difference. Read on to learn seven simple ways you can help reduce air pollution starting today.

1. Compost your organic waste
2. Pledge to stop burning trash
3. Grow your food and eat local produce and meat
4. Plant a tree or two
5. Run the A/C less
6. Reduce driving as much as possible
7. Stop using one-use disposables like paper towels and napkins

1. Compost your organic waste! You can make so many types of compost, but if you are interested in worm composting, check out this blog on how to get started! Methane gas output is so high in landfills because the food scraps decompose in an airless environment. When the matter breaks down anaerobically, it creates methane gas at a much higher rate.
2. Pledge to stop burning trash. We have an opportunity to stop burning our trash – with so much information at our fingertips, it is time to figure out alternatives! A Scout is Clean, and a Scout is Thrifty!
3. Grow your food and eat local produce and meat. Local farmer’s markets are a great place to discover local produce and local meats – they also allow you to try new and different foods (which is excellent for your health!). You could also check out local farm-to-table restaurants close to you – make it a fun way to research new ways to use local products! Think about it – carting those oranges from Florida to Washington creates way more truck pollution than eating apples or blueberries grown there!
4. Plant a tree or two! You can do this fantastic activity with your pack, troop, or family. Not only are you positively impacting the environment, but you are also creating lifelong memories!
5. Run the A/C less. Air conditioning units use a lot of energy, drawing power from power plants (which emit significant air pollution). There are many ways to improve the efficiency of your home's cooling! Add trees to your yard to help shade your house during the afternoon (that also checks the box for #4 on this list as well!), add better attic insulation, add thicker curtains over your windows to block the intense, hot afternoon light, and air seal your doors to prevent air leaks!
6. Reduce driving as much as possible. Walk, bike, or carpool to help! Other ways to reduce your transportation-related impact: keep your car tuned up, do not idle, avoid diesel engines if possible, do not speed or drive aggressively, and keep your tires properly inflated!
7. Stop using one-use disposables like paper towels and napkins! Seriously, this one is WAY easier than you think. How many extra t-shirts in your drawers need to go to Goodwill? Instead of driving them there, cut them up and turn them into rags (and BONUS, you will hit #6 as well!). Those rags work well for wiping up spills and countertops after cooking, and I use them as napkins for my little one. They are perfect for anything you would usually use a paper towel for! Or how about using those cloth napkins you registered for during your wedding season? We started using ours daily instead of waiting for the once-a-year special occasion to roll around! Ever stain your kitchen towels beyond repair? They also make perfect rags (more “paper” towels!). A bonus to stopping paper towel consumption? It saves money! No more throwing money away on paper towels. By doing this, you are reducing the number of trees cut and lowering the impact of the paper mills that produce your paper products.

Now is the perfect time to challenge yourself to think outside the box – how can you reduce your impact? Your family's impact? By becoming more aware, we can be more responsible global citizens and advocates for the health of the Earth. As you make small changes, please share them with us on social media! Tag us in your photos using #ScoutShopBSA for your chance to be shared on Instagram! For camping and outdoor gear, visit ScoutShop.org or stop by your local Scout Shop!