Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 to highlight environmental issues. Celebrating Earth Day each year is a reminder of how important the Earth is and all we must do each day to protect it. Some people celebrate Earth Day by taking intentional action to help the environment, while others use it as a reason to spend time enjoying the beauty of the natural world.
Wondering what you can do to celebrate Earth Day on April 22? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of fun and environment friendly Earth Day activities to help raise awareness and make a difference. If you’re ready to learn more about joining the global celebration, initiating real change, and doing your part to save our planet, read on!
1. Walk or Ride your Bike
Going car-free for the day will reduce harmful carbon emissions. Even one day can make a difference, but if you can commit to walking or biking more often in the future, that’s even better! If your daily commute is too far for walking/biking, try these environmentally-conscious alternative.
- Public transportation like buses, trains, or shuttles
- Carpooling with coworkers, friends, or schoolmates
- Consider investing in an electric or hybrid car in the future
2. Limit your Water Use
Conserve water on a daily basis by turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, checking the toilet and pipes in your home for leaks, and taking shorter showers.
- If you have a garden, install a drip irrigation system to reduce water waste, or make sure that your watering sprinklers are on timers.
- Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your roof and gutters, then use it for non-drinking purposes like watering your garden.
- These seemingly small steps can have a big impact on increasing the amount of clean, drinkable water available to everyone.
3. Turn off the Lights When Not in Use
Turn off lamps and overhead lights whenever you leave a room or your house. If you’re sitting in a room with the sun shining through a window next to you, consider whether you really need an electric light on. Electricity often comes from fossil fuels that contribute to climate change, so using as little electricity as possible is a great way to help the Earth.
4. Switch to Paperless Billing
If you’re still receiving paper bills in the mail, sign into your account or call the company and tell them you want to switch to paperless billing. These days, most (if not all) credit card and utility companies provide a paperless billing option for their customers who want to save trees and prevent waste.
5. Pick up litter in your Community
You can do this as an individual or join a community group. Many local environmental groups organize bigger events where you can join a team and clear roadways, highways, and neighborhood streets of litter, so see if your local community is hosting any such event. Taking a moment to pick up any litter you see as you’re out and about on Earth Day is helpful and easy to do.
6. Carry Reusable Plastic or Cloth Bags
Use reusable grocery bags when you go to the supermarket or when you’re buying items at any store. If you don’t have any bags, purchase some reusable cloth bags and use those going forward. Saving and reusing plastic bags is an easy solution you can incorporate today.
7. Plant a Tree
Pick a tree species that’s native to where you live. If you’re unsure, ask an employee at your local nursery or garden department. Choose the best planting spot to meet the tree’s needs, dig a properly sized hole, and water the tree well to give it a good start. Planting a tree only takes a few minutes, but it can make a huge impact. Trees are crucial because they help to save energy, clean pollution, prevent erosion, and provide homes for many birds, insects, and other local wildlife.
Conclusion
Earth Day 2024 provides an opportunity for contemplation of our planet’s delicate balance and robustness, urging us to renew our dedication to safeguarding and conserving the environment. Embracing the theme “Planet vs Plastic,” Earth Day motivates us to undertake substantial measures aimed at rejuvenating our planet and forging a path towards a sustainable tomorrow. Let us unite on Earth Day, collaborating to cultivate a world that is healthier, greener, and more resilient for present and future generations alike.