Spring is hitting a little differently this year. After spending the winter months stuck at home with little social interaction, we’re all itching to get outside, see our loved ones, and celebrate nature. Few things are more rewarding than giving back and working towards a greater good, and this Earth Day is the perfect time to work together to live more sustainably.
The beautiful thing about celebrating Earth Day is that anyone can do it. It doesn’t matter where you are, what your budget is, or how much free time you have. There are a plethora of ways to reduce your negative impact on the environment and band together to show Mother Nature some love. In this post, we’ve compiled our best Earth Day tips that you can use every day to promote a greener tomorrow.
Why Do We Celebrate Earth Day?
It may seem like a no-brainer that environmental pollution can have a negative impact on public health. To most of us, it’s clear that adding toxic chemicals to the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat can be bad for our health. However, things weren’t always that way.
In the decades leading up to the first Earth Day in 1970, pollution was growing rapidly, and no one was doing anything about it. Factories were spewing black clouds of toxic smoke into the air and dumping hazardous waste into nearby streams. Inefficient cars clogged the roadways with exhaust. There was no public outcry and no Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working to minimize the US public’s exposure to toxic chemicals. In fact, pollution wasn’t even seen as a public health concern. It was simply a byproduct of a growing industrial economy.
In the spring of 1970, that changed. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson called for people to band together to bring the issue of environmental protection to the forefront of national discussion. Twenty million people demonstrated across the United States, and the government took notice. That December, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was born.
Since then, Earth Day has been celebrated every year on April 22nd as a way to inspire humanity to actively work to protect our environment. It’s considered a day of action to fight for sustainability and greener living. Now, more than ever, people are sharing Earth Day tips with a sense of urgency as we fight for the future of our planet in hopes that upcoming generations will have a healthy planet to enjoy.
Earth Day Tips: What to Do on Earth Day
This year, thanks to the ongoing pandemic, celebrating Earth Day may look a little different. Instead of large-scale gatherings and organized clean-ups, many people will opt for activities they can do in smaller groups or even at home. That doesn’t mean that you can’t still make a big impact. Here are our top 30 Earth Day ideas, most of which you can do without even leaving your home:
- Unplug It! Turn Off Appliances and Lights When Not in Use
One of the simplest things you can do to conserve energy is to unplug appliances and other electronics when you’re not using them. Electronics still use power when they’re turned off, which causes carbon dioxide emissions (about 44 million tons per year in America alone, according to the New York Times). By unplugging things like kitchen appliances, lamps, phone chargers, and televisions when you’re not using them, you could save around $165 USD a year on your electricity bill, too! It’s a win-win for the environment and your pocketbook.
- Switch to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
You can save energy by replacing any incandescent light bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. They may be a little more expensive upfront, but you’ll ultimately save money because these bulbs use less electricity and have longer lifespans than incandescent bulbs. They also last longer, so you likely won’t have to replace them as often as well. And don’t forget to turn the lights off when you leave a room!
via PicsArt- Look for Energy Star Certified Appliances
When it comes time to replace an old or broken major appliance, try to find a new one that’s Energy Star certified. From refrigerators to washing machines to dishwashers, Energy Star certified appliances use about 50% less electricity than other models.
Pro Tip: To reduce your environmental impact even more, try repairing your old appliance or donating it instead of throwing it away.
- Use Cold Water to Wash Your Clothes
If you aren’t already, consider using cold water the next time you do your laundry in the washing machine. It takes energy to heat up water, and it’s not necessarily worth the cost. Cold water can get your clothes just as clean as warm or hot water. Plus, it may cause less wear and tear on your fabrics and help them last longer.
- Tips for Keeping Your House Cool or Warm
Check the doors and windows in your house for any gaps that may let out cool or warm air. Then, seal them up with weather stripping. This will help you save money and reduce energy consumption by making it easier for your heater or air conditioner to keep your house at your desired temperature. To make an even bigger difference, adjust your thermostat by a few degrees (cooler in the winter, warmer in the summer) to keep it from coming on as often.
- Eco-Friendly Cooking Habits
Start exploring one-pot recipes. Not only do these recipes mean fewer dishes (and less multitasking), but preparing your food on a single burner means using less energy too. Also, try not to open the oven while food is cooking. It can be super tempting to check on your food, especially when delicious smells start wafting out from the oven. However, opening the door lets heat escape and forces your oven to use more energy to stay at the correct temperature.
via PicsArt- Reduce Paper Waste
It’s time to finally put a stop to mail clutter in your home. Say goodbye to pesky prescreened credit card junk mail by opting out of unsolicited offers. And, whenever you get the chance — whether it’s catalogs, magazines, or bills — choose paperless. Sometimes there’s a discount involved with paperless billing (check with your service provider), so it’s another earth day tip that’s a financial win!
- Cut Out Single-Use Items
Think of how many different products you use once and throw away, such as plastic water bottles, disposable coffee cups, paper towels, plastic shopping bags, straws, and plastic wrap. These all take years, if not decades to decompose in a landfill. Fortunately, there are now more reusable alternatives on the market than ever before. This Earth Day, be mindful of what you throw away and make a commitment to choose at least one item to switch with a reusable alternative.
- Switch to Reusable Batteries
As batteries corrode, the chemicals inside them can leak and contribute to air and water pollution. Yuck! Not only are reusable batteries cheaper in the long run, but they can seriously cut down on the number of batteries that end up in landfills.
- Choose the Stairs
By taking the stairs instead of the elevator, you can cut down on energy consumption and get in a little physical activity. It’s better for the environment and better for you. That’s the kind of win-win we can all get on board with.
via PicsArt- Support Your Local Thrift Store
This Earth Day, let’s replace “new” with “new-to-you.” The quality of secondhand items can be just as good as brand new ones. There’s a reason why your grandpa’s always saying, “They just don’t make things like they used to.” Instead of contributing to consumer waste, try looking for used or refurbished versions of the things you want or need. It’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day all year long.
- Choose Organic
Support sustainable farmers by choosing organic foods to celebrate Earth Day. The decisions you make while grocery shopping can show your commitment to keeping toxic pesticides away from your body and the environment while supporting farmers and producers in your local community.
- Stop Food Waste
Did you know that food waste contributes to climate change? When you throw away food, it rots in a landfill, releasing methane (a greenhouse gas that’s more potent than carbon dioxide). Planning your meals ahead of time can help you cook and eat the food you buy, leaving as little to throw away as possible.
- Start Composting
Whatever food you do need to dispose of, consider what you can put into a compost bin. Compost bins let in oxygen that helps reduce methane created by food scraps. As a bonus, you can put the composted materials on your plants to help them grow!
via PicsArt- Plant a Garden
If you’re going to be composting, you might as well plant a garden to take advantage of the free organic fertilizer. Growing your own vegetables or herbs can also help you reduce food waste. And flowers in your backyard are a beautiful way to brighten up any outdoor space, not to mention that a flower garden is a photographer’s dream (hello, golden ratio plants!).
via PicsArt- Make Your Yard a Friendly Habitat
Support the ecosystem in your area by making your outdoor space a place where local wildlife can find food and shelter. Bird feeders are inexpensive, and bird-watching is a seriously underrated habit.
- Calculate Your Carbon Footprint. Then, Minimize It.
If you’re looking for what to do on earth day while staying inside, then this number-crunching activity is for you! Use the EPA carbon footprint calculator to figure out your yearly household emissions. Then, play around with the numbers to see how different actions (think: adjusting your thermostat, using cold water in your washing machine, and changing your lightbulbs) can reduce your environmental impact.
- Turn Off the Tap
According to the EPA, you can save up to 8 gallons of water a day by turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Over a month, that can add up to more than 200 gallons!
Feeling inspired about water conservation? Get creative with it! Check out our post on using teal green in your designs when editing water photos.
via PicsArt- Install Water-Friendly Fixtures
Conserve water by installing water-saving showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Not ready to make the switch? You can also make a difference by taking shorter showers and fixing any leaky or dripping faucets.
- Collect and Recycle Rainwater
Collecting rainwater in a barrel is an easy, sustainable way to water your plants. Plus, plants like rainwater better than tap water anyway!
via PicsArt- Green-Up Your Clean-Up
Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to you and are bad for the environment. Instead, try making your own non-toxic (and cheap) cleaning solutions from baking soda and vinegar. Pro tip: use a little lemon juice in your cleaning mixture to help cover up the vinegar smell.
- Embrace Meatless Meals
The meat industry is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions because of the amount of water, food, and energy it takes to produce each pound of meat. By choosing plant-based meals for at least one day a week you can decrease the amount of pollution that goes into making your meals. If you’re looking for how to celebrate earth day with a cool meal, then consider something sustainable and plant-based.
- Choose Local Food Sources
How far does your food have to travel to get to your table? Every mile that a piece of food has to travel to get to your plate means increased fossil fuel use and air pollution. Buying local, sustainably produced food is better for the environment and supports farmers and small businesses in your area.
- Reduce Your Car Emissions
When it comes time for you to buy a new car, opt for a fuel-efficient one. Consider walking, biking, carpooling, or taking public transit whenever possible. When you have to drive, you can reduce emissions by using cruise control, going the speed limit, keeping your car tuned up, and making sure your tires are well inflated.
via PicsArt- Get Involved
Donate to organizations that are committed to protecting the environment. Not sure where to start? Ask at your local farmers market or connect with local businesses.
- Get Organized
If you’re the take-charge type, try organizing a trash clean-up party in your area. You can use Picsart to design cool flyers, post to social media, and enlist all of your friends. Then get out to your local park, beach, or roadside and start making a difference.
via PicsArt- Plant a Tree
Nothing feels more like celebrating Earth Day than planting a tree. Whether you’re adding new foliage to your backyard or donating to organizations such as the Trillion Tree Campaign or The Canopy Project, the planet will thank you for your efforts to combat deforestation.
via PicsArt- Enjoy the Outdoors
One of the best (and most fun) ways to celebrate Earth Day is to spend some time outdoors and give yourself a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature. Visit a local park, beach, or hiking trail and let yourself enjoy the beauties of the Earth. Maybe try your hand at photography to capture the moment. It’s a great reminder of why the environment deserves to be protected.
via PicsArt- Give the Earth More Than Just a Day
The best way to make a difference is to let these Earth Day habits become a part of your everyday life. If working together on Earth Day can make an impact on the planet, just imagine how much good can come from making these efforts part of your daily practice to protect the environment year-round!
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