25 Ways to Honor the Earth This April (and Beyond!)

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event that marks the anniversary of the modern environmental movement.

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a massive movement, with over a billion people participating each year in events coordinated by Earthday.org.

This day of awareness has expanded into Earth Month, a dedicated time throughout April to reflect on the importance of our planet and take action to protect it.

Here are 25 ways you can be a part of the Earth Day movement and celebrate our amazing planet throughout April (and beyond!)

1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power! Start by learning more about environmental issues. Resources like the Environmental Protection Agency website and documentaries like Planet Earth can be a great starting point. We’ve put together some Earth Day education resources here as departure points.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This classic mantra is more important than ever. Reduce your consumption, reuse what you can, and recycle properly. There are many resources available online to help you improve your recycling habits — check out What You Can Do To Reduce Your Own Waste.

3. Plant a Tree: Trees are nature's powerhouses, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Planting a tree is a simple yet impactful way to give back to the Earth. The Arbor Day Foundation website offers information on where and how to plant trees effectively.
   

4. Support Sustainable Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support businesses that prioritize environmental responsibility. Look for companies that use recycled materials, have sustainable practices, and are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. Check out Superbee and other B Corp companies.

5. Volunteer Your Time: Donate your time to an environmental cause you care about. There are countless organizations dedicated to cleaning parks, planting trees, and protecting wildlife. Websites like VolunteerMatch can help you find opportunities in your area.

6. Ditch the Disposable: Single-use plastics are a major source of pollution. Invest in reusable water bottles, shopping bags, wax wraps, and coffee mugs to reduce your plastic footprint.

7. Embrace Energy Efficiency: Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. Switch to LED light bulbs, turn off electronics when not in use, and air-dry your clothes whenever possible. The Department of Energy website offers an Energy Saver Guide for saving energy at home.

8. Get Composting: Composting food scraps and yard waste reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Check out this guide to backyard compost bins from the Denver Botanic Gardens.

9. Explore Your Local Parks: Immerse yourself in nature! Visit your local parks and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are all fantastic ways to connect with the Earth. The National Park Service website allows you to search for parks near you.

10. Organize a Neighborhood Clean-Up: Gather your friends and family and organize a clean-up event in your neighborhood. Removing litter from parks, streets, and waterways helps to keep our communities clean and protects wildlife. The Keep America Beautiful website offers a guide on organizing a community clean-up event.

11. Embrace Meatless Mondays: Reducing your meat consumption is a great way to shrink your environmental footprint. Animals raised for food often contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Explore delicious vegetarian or vegan recipes on websites like Epicurious: or Oh She Glows.

12. Support Community Gardens: Community gardens provide a space to grow fresh, local produce while fostering a sense of community. Volunteer your time at a local garden or consider starting your own! The American Community Gardening Association website can connect you with resources and information.

13. Conserve Water: Every drop counts! Take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets, and water your lawn less frequently. The Environmental Protection Agency website provides water conservation tips for homes and gardens.

14. Educate Others: Spreading awareness about environmental issues is crucial. Talk to your friends and family about the importance of protecting the Earth. Share informative articles or documentaries and encourage others to get involved in sustainability efforts.

15. Host an Earth Day Movie Night: Gather your loved ones for an evening dedicated to environmental awareness. Documentaries like Chasing Coral or My Octopus Teacher offer a captivating look at the wonders and challenges facing our planet.

16. Shop Locally: Supporting local businesses reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to your community. Look for farmers markets, craft fairs, and independent shops to find unique and sustainable products.

17. Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies: Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment. There are many recipes available online for creating safe and effective cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.

18. Travel Green: Consider more sustainable ways to travel. Opt for public transportation, carpool with others, or explore your destination by bike or foot. If you must fly, consider airlines that offset carbon emissions.

19. Support Sustainable Fashion: The fashion industry has a significant environmental impact. Look for clothing brands that use recycled materials, organic cotton, and ethical production practices. Websites like Good On You allow you to check the sustainability ratings of your favorite fashion brands.

20. Advocate for Change: Make your voice heard! Contact your local representatives and urge them to support environmental policies. You can also join environmental organizations and participate in advocacy campaigns.

21. Build a Bee Hotel: Bees are vital pollinators, and their populations are declining. You can help by building a bee hotel in your backyard to provide nesting sites for solitary bees. The Xerces Society website offers resources and instructions on building bee hotels.

22. Start a Seed Saving Project: Seed saving allows you to collect seeds from your favorite plants and use them to grow new ones the following season. This is a fun and sustainable way to expand your garden and reduce reliance on commercially produced seeds. Websites like Seed Savers Exchange offer information and resources on seed-saving techniques.

23. Embrace Renewable Energy: Consider switching to a renewable energy provider or installing solar panels on your home. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are cleaner and more sustainable than traditional fossil fuels. Check out this renewable energy guide from Carbon Trust.

24. Challenge Yourself: Set personal goals to reduce your environmental impact. This could include anything from using less plastic to driving less often. Track your progress and celebrate your achievements!

25. Make Every Day Earth Day: Earth Day is a great time to focus on environmental action, but remember, taking care of the planet is an ongoing commitment. Integrate sustainable practices into your daily routine and make Earth Day a celebration that lasts all year long!