8 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Of all our annual celebrations, April 22 might be the most important—without Earth, there wouldn’t be ANY birthdays or anniversaries, or even Lost Sock Memorial Day (May 9). Established in 1970, Earth Day encouraged Americans to consider our environment and take action to improve it. 50+ years later, Earth Day is celebrated around the world as a time to adopt eco-friendly habits and lobby for local, national, and global policy changes that will help preserve our planet for future generations (maybe they can locate all those lost socks!).

Want to celebrate Earth Day, but aren’t sure where to start? We’ve put together 8 simple (and fun!) ideas—no patchouli wearing required.

 
1. Plant a Tree (or 3!)

Trees let us breathe easier, producing oxygen and storing carbon from all the fossil-fuels we burn. Add an arbor to your yard or home and Mother Nature will thank you with rewards like shade, fruit, flowers, or simply some privacy.

 
2. Grow Something to Eat

Whether it’s basil in the kitchen or zucchini in the backyard, there’s something magical about eating food you’ve grown yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids where food actually comes from (Hint: there are no Cheetos trees!).

 
3. Shop Your Local Farmers Market

Did you know that produce sold at grocery stores travels an average of 1500 miles from the farm? (This is how we get ripe strawberries in December.) Shopping at farmers markets lets you chat with local food suppliers and enjoy fresh-picked fruits and veggies grown just a short drive from your home.

 
4. Recycle—However You Can

While many cities have curbside recycling, others don’t make it so simple.

A few easy ways to cut down waste:

Donate clothes and household goods to charities

Return plastic bags to grocery stores

Pass along books and magazines to friends

Reuse food jars and plastic zip-top bags

 
5. Cut Carbons

Walk or bike to work or send kids to school on foot (Your parents/grandparents had to do this—uphill, both ways…in the snow!) Live too far away? Try leaving the car parked when you go out for lunch. Every little bit helps.

 
6. Get Scrappy

Keep food out of landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich compost to feed growing plants. Collect food scraps in a countertop container or stash them in a bag in the freezer. If you’re not the gardening type, see if local restaurants or farmers markets take food scrap donations.

 
7. Feed the Birds

Invite feathered friends to a feast by adding a bird feeder to your porch, patio, or backyard. Or create a DIY version—spread peanut butter on an empty cardboard tube, cover it with birdseed, hang it outdoors, and wait for “guests” to arrive.

 
8. And Don’t Forget the Bees

Planting flowers beautifies your yard and provides plenty of pollen and nectar for bees. But avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which are harmful to your friendly neighborhood pollinators. Let your yard get a little wild and leave dandelions alone—bees and butterflies love them.