Teens in Ladera

As we approach Earth Day, the national celebration of our planet, there are ways we can help our environment at home. One way to help is by regulating how much water your household uses. Especially here in southern California, water can be scarce. It is important to be mindful and ensure we aren’t using extra water when we don’t need to. Try shortening your showers and consider water-wise plants.

There are many causes of pollution that harm our earth. One cause is the overuse of gasoline. Instead of taking the car, consider going by bike when traveling to nearby places. In addition to being better for the environment, it will save money, especially with gas prices being awfully high right now.

Using too much plastic is another cause of pollution. Whenever you go to Starbucks, that Venti drink is one more plastic cup in the landfill - each and every time you order! Starbucks offers many different reusable cups, so instead of using plastic each time, you can refill your own cup.

Another way to keep plastic out of the landfill and oceans is to reuse shopping bags and water bottles in your everyday life. Ideally, you can use woven shopping bags and metal water bottles.

Remember, the smallest positive actions can significantly aid the environment.

A great way to assist the environment is by recycling. Ladera Ranch has recycle bins available for residents. Ladera Ranch Middle School hosts a recycling program every Monday where students and their families can donate their plastic water bottles or aluminum cans to recycle.

Besides cans and bottles, you can also recycle paper and cardboard. Schools can use a lot of paper for assignments. If you no longer need those papers, be sure to place them in the recycling bin.

Another way to help conserve our planet is through volunteering. There are opportunities to help with habitat restoration and nature cleanup through events in the community. The Nature Reserve, a local nonprofit that helps protect the open space areas around Ladera Ranch and nearby communities, offers many volunteer opportunities to help the environment. The Teen Leadership Council volunteers at their Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service each year, but anyone is able to participate.

The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo educates people on how important it is to maintain and protect the local habitat through various community programs and events. Visit TheNatureReserve.org to learn more and to volunteer.

These are just a few ways that you can help our environment, but there are many more options. Small changes can go a long way to help protect our planet by getting involved at home and in the community.

Ways to Help at Home

• Conserve water: take shorter showers
• Recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans
• Use reusable shopping bags and water bottles
• Ride a bike instead of driving, when you can

Ways to Help in the Community

• Volunteer at The Nature Reserve to protect and preserve our local habitat
• Donate cans, bottles, and paper at school drives
• Encourage family and friends to conserve and recycle
• Donate gently-used items rather than disposing of them in the trash

This article was originally published in the spring issue of Roots and Wings magazine (February 2023; page 7).