Each April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day. It’s a time to collectively reflect on our environment, how we can contribute to a healthier world, honor nature and leave a sustainable planet for future generations.
But Earth Day is more than another day on the calendar — it’s a reminder that we can take individual action every day to care for our planet.
Here are some simple, yet impactful ways to observe Earth Day and help our planet:
Recycle with purpose
Recycling doesn’t have to be a chore or even feel like a chore. Take a little time to search for the items your local center accepts so you can easily incorporate recycling into your daily routine. Each cardboard box, plastic cup, soda can or piece of fabric diverted from the landfill makes a difference. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that recycling just 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for 25 hours! Embrace recycling as a small act with a big impact! Not sure where to start? Find a recycling center near you. Then, learn the basics.
Reuse and reinvent
Before tossing items into the recycling bin, consider how they might be reused, upcycled or repurposed. Plastic containers and glass jars can have an environmentally friendly second life. Cut and staple used printer paper into a useful scratch pad. Tear up newspaper as garden mulch. Get creative! Instead of sending empty Scentsy Bar clamshells to the recycling center find alternate uses. Here are some ideas:
- Pour paint in each of the cubes during craft time and use the lid to mix colors.
- Sort and save $20 in quarters.
- Store jewelry when traveling to avoid tangled necklaces.
- Add soil and a mist of water to start seeds in this mini “greenhouse.”
- Keep thumbtacks and paperclips tidy and safe from spilling all over a drawer.
Repair and renew
Take time to fix things you already own before tossing them out and buying something new. Too often we buy new out of convenience. With just a little creativity, a visit to online resources and a bit of time we can fix things ourselves. Here are some examples:
- Use a knife sharpener to revive dull knives.
- Buy furniture (gently used if possible) that lasts. Repair, repaint or refinish them to update the look.
- Sharpen your garden implements to make them last longer and much easier to use.
- Patch up and stich old jeans. If the damage is beyond repair (or decency) cut them down to use as hanging garden grow bags.
Rethink the commute
Many of us are now returning to the office, so it’s a great time to consider the impact of the daily trek to your desk. Consider biking, carpooling or public transit. Changing up your routine — even one or two days a week — can reduce carbon emissions, save some cash and create a healthier you. Find transit links in your state here.
Engage in community
Real change, of course, begins locally. But it’s hard to recycle if your town doesn’t have a dedicated program. And how can you bike to work if there aren’t any protected lanes? These obstacles can be beacons of hope to create real change. Get involved in your community’s environmental initiatives like advocating for more robust recycling programs, rallying for public transit projects or joining in cleanup and conservation efforts. Your voice and actions matter. Individuals joining together amplifies impact and reach. One project that might make a big change is a community garden. Gardening promotes biodiversity and fosters connection. Gather your neighbors, find a small plot of open land and roll up your sleeves. Plant some tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers and watch as your garden blooms with life and shareable bounty.
DIY your environment
There are small things you can do right now in your home and life that help the environment. Earth Day is a great time to start. Consider these options:
- Conserve water by turning off the tap while you brush your teeth or scrub dishes.
- Buy less plastic and carry reusable shopping bags. Here’s a fun upcycle that makes use of old tee shirts!
- Plant a tree to help clean the air, shade your home so you use less electricity and beautify the neighborhood.
- Spread plants that pollinators love, which are crucial for our planet and our food supply. They’re low maintenance, beautiful and help save the bees!
Even the smallest actions can have a ripple effect that impacts the planet. Individually and collectively, we can work toward a greener future. How will you observe Earth Day? Share in the comments.
