April is Earth Month: Tips for a Healthier Planet!

When Earth Day began as a movement in 1970, who could have predicted the world would learn a new term in 2024: microplastics? Now part of our lexicon, these tiny and often invisible-to-the-eye particles are so small that we unknowingly ingest them through the air, water, food, and packaging. Microplastics have become ubiquitous and unavoidable, so this year’s Earth Day theme is Planet vs. Plastics!

What can we do about something we can’t even see?

Instead of throwing up our hands, we can think globally AND act locally with these tips that will make your wallet heavier and your carbon footprint lighter. We have also compiled some local Earth Day events.

1. Replace those single-use plastic water bottles with reusable stainless steel, or glass with rubber shell for a one-time cost of $10-$20. Have kids pick their favorite color or theme, and label it so everyone has their own. Some families keep two per person in the fridge, filled, cooled, and ready for the morning lunch prep routine, or set up for grab-and-go for after-school and work.

2. Invest in Reusable Bags! In May 2022, New Jersey banned single-use plastic bags, reducing our use by 60%, which also undoubtedly saved thousands of birds and mammals from entanglement or death from ingesting plastic bits. Select sturdy totes that can be reused multiple times and are easily washed in cold water.

Our MCF student artist-designed bag, made in the USA from recycled plastic bottles, delivers the right size for most shopping trips. Get your limited-edition tote on Earth Day, April 22, 2024, at a special event at Cos Bar in Red Bank featuring Mrs. Earth USA 2023 Ann Pennington. 100% of the $15 tote purchase and 10% of all Cos Bar sales will benefit MCF’s work to #KeepMonmouthGreen.   

Please RSVP to enjoy bubbles, bites, and surprise delights! Cos Bar Red Bank

3. Consider trading one cup of joe for a cup of nature by joining our monthly giving program and Become a Land Steward! For as little as $5 per month, MCF’s Land Stewards Monthly Giving Program helps MCF protect the land we need and love, forever. It also makes a great gift if you join on someone’s behalf or in their honor! Click to learn about special benefits for our Land Stewards and Join Today!

4. Get out and enjoy our County parks! Our Partners at the Monmouth County Park System offer a variety of Earth Month activities, including these three events:

a. Earth Day Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center in Howell

b. Beach Cleanup and Beach Combing on Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch

c. Earth Day Shore Planting from 5:00 p.m. to6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth

Click here for more information or call 732-842-4000.   For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.