6 Purposeful Ways To Celebrate Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day! Bees and the planet go together like two peas in a pod, which is why Earth Month is one of our favorite times of the year. Although most events are being canceled this year due to COVID restrictions, there are so many exciting ways you can celebrate this beloved holiday.
How can I celebrate Earth Day this year?
On April 22, 1970, Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson as a way to increase awareness about environmental concerns. What started off as a national event attended by 20 million Americans has since blossomed into a global movement that is celebrated by over 1 billion people worldwide in over 184 countries!
Plan a litter cleanup day
Gather up some friends and family and spend a sunny morning scouring the neighborhood for litter. Don't forget your biodegradable trashbags and gloves! If you live in a coastal area, this is especially important to help protect oceanic wildlife. Whether it's two people or twelve people, an organized cleanup can have a huge impact!
Feel like taking a solo trip? Consider plogging (picking up litter while you jog!) On top of a workout, you'll be able to help your community without breaking your morning health routine.
Plant some wildflowers
Give the planet a gift this Earth Day by planting some wildflowers. Wildflowers can help promote soil health, improve water quality, and support declining pollinator populations by providing food and breeding grounds for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds. Wildflowers are also low maintenance and low cost; once they are established, they pretty much take care of themselves!
When selecting wildflower seeds, choose the ones that are best for your area. Be sure to find suitable plants for your region's growing conditions, and if possible, purchase seeds from a local grower! Native plants can support a thriving, diverse ecosystem.
Purchase a reusable water bottle
While disposable water bottles can be convenient, they come at a considerable cost to our environment. One-time-use bottles pollute our oceans, take up space in landfills, and take an incredible amount of resources to produce. When you choose a reusable water bottle, you also control exactly where your water comes from, and it could save you over $200 per year by supplying your own drinking water!
Buy a tree certificate
Trees are our best hope for saving the climate, nature, wildlife, and people. By purchasing a tree certificate, you can protect a group of trees somewhere in the world that is at risk for deforestation. You'll receive a certificate with a unique serial number in your name so that your impacts are yours forever. A measurable impact can be yours for as little as $6!
Create a recycling center in your home
Take a look at how your household is handling waste and brainstorm ways you can improve your recycling habits. Every little bit helps when it comes to protecting Earth's resources! To set up your own recycling center at home, here are a few quick, easy steps:
- Locate a place for the recycling center. Make sure it is in a convenient and easy spot so that everyone in the household can make it part of their daily routine. Commonly chosen areas include the kitchen, laundry room, or garage. [Text Wrapping Break]
- Select your containers. The number and size of your receptacles will depend on the items you plan to recycle and the frequency. You may contact your local recycling center or trash removal service to see what items they will take. The main categories include paper, plastic, metals, and glass. Tip: Color-code and/or label containers so small children can help sort recyclables![Text Wrapping Break]
- Keep pests and odors out. Don't give insects a reason to infest your recycling center. Always rinse out food and drink containers before putting them into their appropriate bin and plan to empty out the receptacles regularly.
Go for a nature walk or hike
Do something that helps you get in touch with nature and help remind you why it's essential to protect our environment. Take some time to research the area you will be visiting, and keep an eye out for local plants and wildlife during your walk! If you have children who will be joining you, use this as a learning opportunity. Set up a nature scavenger hunt, observe and identify some birds, draw pictures of your favorite flowers, and spend some time picking up any stray litter you may find during your adventure.
Extend your love to the Earth all year long by making some sustainable swaps in your kitchen and your skincare routine!