Earth Day is a great day to celebrate our planet and its beauty!
Plus, it is a great way to get your kids involved in a project or kick off a community service initiative at your workplace.
First held on April 22, 1970, Earth Day was created as a day to bring attention to environmental issues and encourage people to be more intentional about caring for our planet. Senator Gaylord Nelson and environmental activist Denis Hayes wanted to recruit college students to be more active and care about the planet. They chose April 22nd because it was between Spring Break and Final Exams.
Their efforts worked, getting more than 20 million Americans to take part in the first Earth Day, which has grown ever since.
Not sure how to celebrate Earth Day? Here are a few ideas.
Start a garden
Whether you plant a few potted herbs in your backyard or start an entire community garden, Earth Day is a great day to kick off your next planting project. Gardening outdoors or starting an indoor plant collection still means you’re adding oxygen into the air and your plants are sucking the carbon dioxide out of it.
Many communities throw Earth Day events, so check your local newspaper or events calendar to find an event near you. If you’re motivated to celebrate and can’t find anything local, consider partnering with a local community organization to throw your event!
Go for a walk
Of course, you don’t have to get overly ambitious to enjoy Earth Day. Simply getting outside and enjoying nature can be a great way to celebrate. Take yourself on a walk and stop to admire the beautiful spring foliage. Get some fresh air and move your body, it’s a great way to celebrate without taking too much time out of your day!
Pick up trash
Make it your mission to leave the Earth a cleaner place after Earth Day than it was before. You can unofficially pick up trash anywhere you find it or make it more official and volunteer with an Adopt-a-Highway or city clean-up program.
The spirit of Earth Day is all about educating the public on environmental issues and sharing environmental initiatives. You can get in this spirit by sharing some news about environmental issues — either in person or on your social media accounts.
Check out EarthDay.org for inspiration.
Incorporate air-purifying plants into your home
Plants can absorb toxins and purify the air, which is good for the planet and your health. Some plants are better air-purifiers than others, so choose carefully. Bromeliads and orchids are especially good choices. Plus, they make attractive additions to your home décor!
While it isn’t the same as fresh air or an air purifier, making small changes are a great way to improve your health over time.
Swap single use for reusable
Ditch the plastic and Styrofoam for Earth Day — or better yet, for good — by using a reusable coffee cup or water bottle. Most coffee shops will happily allow you to fill your mug and filling your water bottle is a great way to save a few dollars. Reusable mugs, bottles, or even lunch bags also make great company swag. Consider adding your logo to them and giving them away at your next trade show or company event.
At the grocery store, we trade plastic produce bags for reusable mesh bags or recyclable paper bags. Mesh bags can be washed and used again and again. At home, reuse food jars, cosmetic pots, or plastic containers. If not used for storing food, they make great planters or seed starters!
Overhaul your cleaning products
Many common household cleaners release harmful chemicals into the environment. What better time than Earth Day to switch up your cleaning supplies for more Earth-friendly options? Check out this article to learn about a few easy switches you can make.
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