The world has celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd each year, for over 50 years. Earth day is an opportunity for people to do their part in restoring the Planet. We typically celebrate Earth Day on one calendar day, when we should be celebrating this holiday all year round. Here are some ideas on where/how you can start taking care of our home, Earth.
Hang Bird Seed Ornaments on Earth Day
Bird seed ornaments are a fun and easy project for all ages. They are a great way to make trees more festive, any time of the year. Also, because they are made with cookie cutters, you can easily customize your ornament to fit any occasion. Click here to download and follow a recipe on how to make your own bird seed ornament.
Recycle Daily
Recycling starts with having a recycling bin. Place a recycling bin next to your trash can to make it easier and more natural to want to recycle. Be certain to not recycle any cartons, paper, paper towels, toilet paper, or card board with any grease or food residue on it, for this can contaminate other recyclables. Items to consider recycling would be:
- Cans – Recycle aluminum and steel cans as long as they are empty and thoroughly rinsed.
- Glass – Recycle glass bottles and jars that are thoroughly rinsed out.
- Paper products – Recycle card board boxes, newspaper, printer paper, magazines, mail, and paper tubes. Do not recycle paper towels, toilet paper, or card board that is covered in grease or food residue because it can contaminate other recyclables.
- Cartons – Food and beverage cartons such as milk cartons and juice cartons can be recycled.
- Plastic – You can recycle plastic containers with the numbers 1 or 2 inside the triangle recycling symbol, as long as they’re empty and rinsed—in general, this includes thick plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs for kitchen, bathroom, or laundry materials. You can also recycle plastic water bottles.
Tune into Earth Day Events
Do a quick google search of “Local Earth Day Events” and you will surely find what is happening in your community. Connect with others who are just as passionate about saving the earth as you are, and team up to make a change. Connecting with others is a great way to encourage and motivate each other in helping the community.
Use Less Plastic
Plastic is very harmful for the Earth, it creates harmful toxins that are damaging to the environment. Plastic’s toxic chemicals not only harm the natural environment, but also our bodies. The production of plastic is expected to continue to grow over the next 30 years. Help the Earth by cutting down on your use of plastic. Use reusable water bottles, bags, and straws. To take it even further, try using shampoo and conditioner bars. Seek out creative ways you can help make a change for the better.
Spend Time Outside
Outdoors is a great place to explore and adventure! Spend more time outside by going on a hike, watching the clouds or stars, or spending time with family. The more time we spend outdoors the more appreciation we will have for it.
Go on a Nature Scavenger-hunt on Earth Day
Nature scavenger hunts are a great way to get outside and be active. This activity is great for children, teens and adults. Try hosting a selfie nature scavenger hunt by having everyone take selfies of the outdoor items on the list. Then later share everyone’s pictures to see who found the most items. Click here for a downloadable nature selfie scavenger hunt.
Plant a Garden
Planting a garden sounds like a lot of work, but who said it had to be? Depending on your preference, plant a garden of size of your liking and then pick out fruits and vegetables that are suitable to your gardening skills. You might have to do a little research on how to maintain the plants of your choice. Don’t be discouraged, get your garden planted and blooming, and be ready for the excitement of watching everything grow.
Educate Yourself about the Earth
Education is a critical part of protecting the planet. You can not protect against what you do not know. Thus, it is important to learn about new trends, event, and, issues, and solutions. It is important that you are gathering your information from diverse sources, as the solutions to Earth’s problems must be intersectional. Watch documentaries, watch the news, and read weekly articles to keep up to speed with what is going on with our climate.
Donate to a Charity on Earth Day
On Earth Day, you may not be able to physically go out and support local organizations and the neighborhood you live in by cleaning up the trash the area, but you can make a donation. Seek out local charities or non-profits to contribute to that are working to help the environment.
Take a Virtual Field-trip
If you have no interest in going outdoors, try taking a virtual field trip. You can take a tour of a national park, explore the ocean waters, a zoo, the Great Barrier Reef, or visit a botanical garden all from the comfort of your home.
Let’s make a change together! For more event ideas check out the below links.
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