Simple Ways To Celebrate Earth Day

Happy Earth Day, everyone! April 22nd is a global day to celebrate and appreciate our planet. There are so many simple ways to show Mother Earth some well-deserved TLC on this day and each day after that. Whether you're at home or out and about, we have a few ideas that are easy to do and can make a big impact. So, let's all take some time to do something good for the earth!

Refresh Your Recycling Habits

If you’ve gotten lazy with your recycling practices, Earth Day is a great time to get back on track. Recycling all of your paper, plastic and canned goods is the easiest way to improve your carbon footprint and give back to Mother Nature. To name a few items you can recycle – magazines, paper towels, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, steel cans, and plastic laundry detergent bottles.

Purchase Items Made From Recycled Materials

Aside from separating your recyclables, you can also choose to purchase products made from recycled materials. This will help close the recycling loop – and with thousands of products containing recycled materials, you’ll have a vast number of options.

Common products that can be made with recycled content include aluminum cans, cereal boxes, egg cartons, glass containers, laundry detergent bottles, newspapers, paper towels, toilet paper, steel products, and trash bags. It’s these small daily choices that can have a big impact.

Slip On Your Gardening Gloves

The classic way to honor Earth Day is by planting a tree in your community or garden. Not only does it look great, but it also creates a natural habitat for animals and purifies the air. On a smaller, yet just as powerful scale, opt for planting seeds of your favorite flowers, herbs, and flowers.

If you prefer to do this in a group setting, join a local gardening club to help plant seeds and plants that are native to your area. You are not only helping the environment but also making it a social affair.

Choose 'Paperless' When You Can

Whenever and wherever possible, avoid using paper. This means switching to electronic banking, selecting online options for all monthly bills, and utilizing your smartphone instead of a journal. If you buy something at a store that offers emailed receipts, always choose that option. It is a simple choice that makes all the difference. And if you are using paper, make sure to recycle it.

Switch To Reusable Items

Head to the grocery store or farmer's market with your own reusable bags – instead of using plastic and paper bags from the grocery store or market. While this may seem like a small task, using new bags for our weekly visit adds up each year.

Another option is to trade in plastic bottles with a reusable thermos or water bottle. The same applies to food containers. Instead of plastic baggies, tin foil, or one-time-use containers, opt for glass containers that can be cleaned and reused.

Start A Compost Bin

Composting may seem like an overwhelming burden, but it's actually really easy. Not only is it great for reducing food waste and returning nutrients to the earth, but it can also help conserve water as you'll be using your garbage disposal much less frequently. You can even keep it in an airtight container in your freezer to avoid a messy smell in the kitchen. Here's a guide to composting from Better Home & Gardens to get you started.

Help To Keep Your Community Clean

Join a community cleanup or other local initiative to clear litter from parks, roads, and other areas. Alternatively, be mindful as you go about your day to pick up any trash or debris you see along the way.

Support & Donate

Choose companies that believe in safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly production and development practices. Additionally, support companies that promote initiatives that protect the Earth. Plus, it never hurts to choose cruelty-free makeup and cleaning products.

Look for events or rallies in your area to join or donate to organizations fighting to protect Mother Nature, endangered species, sustainable farming, and other environmental initiatives, such as World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Oxfam. Check out the Earth Day Network for more advice on how to make a lasting change this year.