11 Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
This annual global event, on April 22, should inspire us to do better when it comes to protecting the environment. If you are wondering how you can personally participate, there are simple ways to celebrate earth day that are also impactful.
Since 1970, which just happens to be the year I was born, Earth Day has grown into a worldwide event promoting clean living and protecting the earth. This place we call home needs our help. We need to protect its life as it protects ours.
How can we do our part? Let’s look at simple ways we can celebrate earth day every day!
Celebrate Earth Day
1. Support local farmers
Chose to purchase your food from local farmers, butchers, or fish markets. This could include a weekend trip to the farmer’s market, purchasing your meat from a local butcher, or spending an afternoon at a U-pick. Eating seasonally is a great way to support locals and the land. These choices will also help you sustain a healthy lifestyle.
2. Plant something
Plant a tree, a herb garden, a vegetable garden, or flowers. Plants provide habitats and they feed you and our wildlife. Plants provide us with oxygen and fresh air. All plants and trees support life on earth and we can easily help by planting something.
3. Make a bird feeder, house, or bath
Make the birds in your neighborhood comfortable by adding feeders, bird baths, or bird houses to your property. If you don’t have any experience in building projects, there are so many beautiful store options to pick from that will add unique attractions for you and your feathered friends.
4. Go on a nature walk
Walking, in general, supports the environment as we eliminate toxins from driving our vehicles. Walking in nature gives you an appreciation for the earth and the beauty it provides around us. Let walking support your health with just 30 minutes a day. A walk in your neighborhood, a nearby trail, or a walk on the beach are ways to appreciate earth day.
5. Recycle
Know what can be recycled and work with your city or town’s collection to participate as much as possible. In our area, glass is not collected and is counted as garbage which we do not agree with. Take the extra step when you need to. We have a bin for glass and bring it to a local recycling business.
6. Reusable Shopping Bags or Bins
Keep reusable bags and bins in your vehicle or in your purse to use when shopping. It will become a habit before you head into a store and supports the environment. I am very pleased that our city no longer supports using plastic bags.
7. Start a compost bin
This is on my to-do list. You can use compost in your gardens, add it to your lawn and sprinkle it around your trees and flowers. This nutrient-enriched soil will support your love of gardening to the fullest.
8. Refillables
Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups to reduce plastic and other waste. There are many brands and options to choose from, depending on how you plan to use them. I recently received this travel coffee mug as a birthday gift, and it fits perfectly in our vehicle when traveling. This water bottle is my current favorite.
9. Natural Cleaning Products
Chose to make your own natural cleaning products with 100% natural essential oils or ensure the products you clean with are organic and earth-friendly. Brands like Aspenclean, Attitude, and Saje Natural Wellness are some of my favorites.
10. Use less paper
Reduce paper waste by signing up for online billing, including bank & tax e-statements. You can use a digital filing system to keep your financial records in order. Stop buying paper towels and use reusable cloths made for cleaning. Chose to use pretty cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. Use a reusable dry-erase board for your to-do list instead of a notebook. Most importantly, ensure any paper you do use is recycled or composted.
11. Save Electricity
This is a huge topic and best left to the professionals, and I do think that an energy audit can help. There are things in your home that may need improvements to reduce electricity and save you money. Check local power company websites or search for ways to save electricity today.
Some tips to start & stick to these changes
- include the whole family to ensure everyone is on the same page
- take it one step at a time and make it a habit
- enjoy the journey as you participate in these changes
You can see how connected our health is to the earth’s health. We are one. Celebrate and invest in our planet by adding these 11 simple ways to celebrate Earth Day every day.