14 Ways To Celebrate Earth Day That Anyone Can Do
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How often do we stop to think about how incredible, devastatingly beautiful, and life-giving this Earth is, and how lucky we are to live on a planet so diverse and alive? How often do we let ourselves be humbled by the enormity and complexity of Nature, and how often do we hold ourselves accountable for Nature’s safety and conservation?
Most of us probably don’t like our own honest answer-- but because Earth Day is April 22, a Saturday, you have an entire weekend day to celebrate Mother Earth, and make full use of this holiday.
Instead of taking Earth Day for granted this year—aka the earth for granted—here is a list of some fun, simple, and accessible ways that anyone can participate in! As Network for Good said best: “Earth Day is every day.”
The History of Earth Day
Earth Day began as a student-led movement in 1970, when junior senator, Gaylord Nelson, channeled the anti-war energy on many college campuses across the United States towards building pollution awareness. They designated April 22 as a day to make a public demonstration; it was a weekday–halfway between Spring Break and final exams–that was convenient for students.
The movement caught on quickly throughout the country when Earth Day was titled, especially with the help of activist, Denis Hayes. Hayes organized national events and campaigns to build awareness of the land and air pollution that had been thus far unchecked in the United States. Thanks to attention from the media, 20 million Americans took to the streets on the very first Earth Day in 1970!
In 1990, Earth Day went international! Denis Hayes’ work was noticed around the world, and he was recruited to organize a global campaign, which by the end, involved 200 million people in 141 countries. Important conversations had been sparked and concrete changes had been set in motion. Government efforts were directed to reduce pollution, establish recycling, organize the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit, and build many other forms of environmental consciousness and policy change.
So how can you celebrate Earth Day this year?
Clean up a local walkway, nature path, or park that you frequent
At your local park where you run or walk your dog, there is probably trash that you pass regularly. It always bugs you, but it can be hard to take the time and have that mindset during your day-to-day routine to pick it up and make a change. Take the opportunity this Earth Day to set out with a garbage bag in hand as you walk. Even better, organize a group of friends and family to help you!
Plant your summer garden
Spring is in the air, but you’ve been procrastinating on turning over the little plot of dirt in the backyard and getting your garden going.This is your day! If you don’t have a backyard, there are still a ton of ways to have a garden: a large windowsill, your porch, display cases… Earth Day is the ideal occasion to get your hands dirty and spend some time with the soil.
No green thumb? Commit to learning how to care for just one type of plant
Take a few hours this Earth Day to educate yourself on the parenting of just one type of plant. (Hey, even a cactus counts!) Even a single plant in your home can improve your home’s aesthetic and bring life into your daily space. Plus, caring for something alive (besides yourself) on a daily basis is simply a healthy practice.
Have a technology-free day
Spend minimal time on your phone, don’t turn on the TV, unplug unused devices, and dedicate that time you just magicked out of nowhere to something nature-related.
Don’t drive today
Try walking everywhere if you can, biking, taking public transport (if you must), and leave the car in your driveway. Do something small for nature’s benefit, and you will find that going out of your way brings you a returning joy and appreciation. Good karma.
Spend the day outside in the sun, in any capacity
Go to the beach; do a hike you’ve had on your bucket list; have a picnic at your favorite secluded spot. Breathe the fresh air deeply and practice gratitude for the beauty of this simple act.
Get creative with your relationship with nature
Nature fosters creativity and imagination! Write down a poem or ode to what you love about nature; get out your watercolors for a landscape; do a small black and white sketch from one of your favorite lookouts. Roping in friends to do it with you could be a fun group activity.
Attend a local event
Your local community, neighborhood, gym, school, park, or nature conservation area will hands-down be offering a plethora of Earth Day events to choose from and participate in. Sign up for one that appeals to you, and volunteer half of your day to it. This report outlines the many benefits that you reap from regular environmental volunteering; it is associated with improved physical health, improved psychological well-being, and more physical activity.
Watch a film on conservation
Watch a film on conservation to heighten your own awareness and knowledge of the current state of the planet.
You're living on it; maybe it would be a good idea to know how it’s doing! Have a movie night and learn with your friends and family! Watching a movie is literally one of the easiest ways to celebrate Earth Day from the comfort of your couch. Check out the Forbes Top 10 Earth Day Films.
Take an Earth Day quiz
Test your knowledge and current awareness, and have some fun doing it! There are quizzes on climate, conservation and restoration, pollution, endangered species, and more.
Donate to a worthy environmental charity
Every bit helps when it comes to financial support for those hard-working organizations and charities.
Volunteer at your local animal shelter
If activities like planting trees or picking up garbage this Earth Day aren’t your thing, there are many more causes and organizations, such as local animal shelters, that could benefit from your time and energy.
Attend your local farmers market
It’s a Saturday in late April: time for outdoor farmer markets to commence! There are so many reasons to support local farmers markets. Your choice supports less pollution, sustainable agriculture, and the local economy, to name a few.
Identify one positive change you can make to your lifestyle (and practice it!)
Pick one thing that you are willing to implement, even if it comes with the price of inconvenience and discomfort for you. It most likely will. But changing one thing at a time is one step closer to taking care of Mother Earth. How are YOU going to make one small change to your life to make this world a better place? Need ideas?
Commit to supporting only sustainable fashion.
Use only reusable water bottles, not disposables.
Grocery shop with reusable bags, not disposables.
Start taking recycling seriously.
Here are a few more resources to make an Earth Day celebration accessible to you:
Explore the History of Earth Day.
Explore educational resources for the classroom, at-home, and community learning.
Explore community service project ideas.
Check out our post on How You Can Contribute in Your Community for Earth Day
Remember, “Earth Day is every day.”