These fun activities are the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day 2022
Earth Day was first marked on April 22, 1970, which is now recognized as the start of the modern environmental movement. Now, over 50 years later, it brings billions of people across 190 countries together advocating to protect the planet.
This year’s Earth Day theme is 'Invest in our Planet,' calling on businesses, governments and citizens to follow more sustainable methods, help spread environmental awareness, and take concrete action against climate change.
If you are wondering how you can help, remember that any step—no matter how big or small—can surely make a difference. The most important thing is to try and implement these practices into your daily lifestyle as much as possible.
Here are some suggestions for how to celebrate, appreciate and protect the planet this Earth Day...
1. Plant something
Lisa FotiosSpending time in your backyard or garden can have a positive impact on the environment, and is a natural stress-reliever for you. Trees and plants help protect biodiversity by providing food and habitats for various pollinators and wildlife, as well as improve the quality of the air we breathe. Plus, growing your own fruits and vegetables will ensure you are consuming less chemicals and more nutrients, as well as spending less money.
2. Ride your bike
Sebastian VoortmanWhether you’re heading out to run errands, or simply wish to grab some fresh air within your community, make sure to ditch the car and take your bike instead. Not only is this a great way to help reduce carbon emissions, but it will also get your moving, which of course will benefit your overall wellness.
3. Switch to sustainable supplies
Karolina GrabowskaIf you've been thinking about making your home more environmentally friendly, then this is the day to do it. Go into each room and see where you can take out items and goods and replace them with greener options. You’d be surprised by how many things you can swap out—from plastic kitchen utensils to laundry detergents, bathroom essentials, skincare products, and the kids’ lunch containers. Note: If the family is home, then this can even be turned into a scavenger hunt or fun activity.
4. Organize a beach or park clean-up
Инна Работягина
Do a quick Internet search to see if there are any volunteer clean-up groups in your part of town, or plan one yourself and spread the word. This is a fantastic way to promote community engagement, learn the importance of taking responsibility to keep our surroundings safe, and leave you feeling even more appreciative of the planet.
5. Visit a local farmers’ market to support locally grown produce
Daria ShevtsovaGrab your reusable bag and spend some time at a neighbourhood farmers’ market. Not only will you be supporting local growers and artisans, but you’ll also be able to pick up the freshest produce possible, get some fresh air, as well as cut your ecological footprint by not spending money at big-box stores where packaged items (most often times filled with chemicals) are delivered from thousands of kilometres away.
6. Spend the day outside
ina UhlíkováIt’s the simplest way to celebrate Earth Day. Go for a long walk or hike, and breathe in the fresh air, which is something we are very fortunate to be able to do. We tend to get so busy in our day-to-day lives that we forget to enjoy our surroundings and literally stop to smell the flowers. If you can, put the phone away for a few hours and disconnect—it does wonders for the soul.
7. Read educational books
family reading
Take time to sit down with your kids and help them learn about the importance of caring for the planet. It’s never too early to provide them with the education and skills, and there are a number of wonderful resources available. Not to mention, this will hopefully drive them to pick up even more books and leave those technological devices behind.
8. Do a nature scavenger hunt
RODNAE ProductionsHere is a fun activity that will get the kids outside. Put together a list of things they need to identify—whether it’s in the backyard or at the park—from a butterfly to an acorn to different types of flowers.
9. Plan a waste-free picnic
ROMAN ODINTSOVIf the weather is nice, choose a picturesque location for a waste-free picnic by cooking from scratch, using biodegradable wraps and glass jars to pack food, bringing reusable cutlery, and composting any leftovers.
10. Cut down on energy usage
Anete LusinaIt may take a little bit more effort, but you will be doing good for the planet and your wallet. Turn off unnecessary lights around the home, unplug whatever you can, and avoid using electric devices—whether it’s for entertainment purposes or in the kitchen. You can also save energy by taking shorter showers, and not leaving the faucets running for any longer than they should. P.S. There is nothing more gorgeous than a candlelit home at night.
11. Donate clothes you don’t need
cottonbroGot clothes lying around the house that you aren't wearing anymore? Donate them to a local neighbourhood drive or thrift store. This not only helps those in need of clothing, but it’s also a wonderful way to reduce, reuse and repurpose, along with helping cut down on the number of items that get tossed into landfills.
12. Watch an environmental documentary
Andres Ayrton
Have a green movie night! Educate yourself on the climate crisis by watching an environmentally themed documentaries that will surely inspire you to take action to further protect the planet.