by Mallory Knee
The planet always deserves more care than we give it, and Earth Day is our reminder to do so. Here are some different ways to give back on Earth Day.
Earth Day is probably going to look a little different this year than it did in years past. There won’t be big marches as people come together for climate change. There won’t be big clean-ups with whole towns. The coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone in some way, and it’s impacted the Earth as well. Though the positive changes the pandemic is making on the planet—reduced greenhouse gases, clearer waters, and more—are great, there is still more we can do. If you want to keep making an impact, take a look at the different ways to give back on Earth Day. From textile recycling to planting a few trees and some greenery in the backyard, you can still make a difference, even if you need to stay close to home.
Don’t Use Electronics for the Day
April 22 is on a Wednesday this year, so it may be a bit difficult for you to not use any electronics for work. However, try not to use them for anything other than work. Unplug your lamps, your TVs, your microwave, your alarm clock—whatever you can unplug, do. You’ll end up saving quite a bit of energy by turning them off and unplugging them for the day. Using less power reduces the toxicity released by power plants and the like. Spend the day connecting with nature.
Learn About Different Recyclable Items
Of course, you should be recycling any plastic, paper, cans, and bottles, but what else can you recycle? Take the time on Earth Day to read up on the different items you can—and should—recycle. One of our favorites is textile recycling. It makes a huge difference in scary climate change statistics—it’s one of the reasons you should recycle your clothes. Apart from clothes, you can also recycle batteries, old carpet, electronics, and more!
Collect Trash on Your Walk
One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that people are spending more time getting reconnected with nature. Walks are one of the brief reprieves from the confines of the home, so when you take them, make the most of it! On Earth Day, and maybe once a week from here on out, collect trash on your walk. The Swede’s actually coined a term—plogging—a mash-up of jogging and the Swedish phrase “plocka upp,” which means pick up. On your jog or walk, take the time to pick up any garbage you find.
Plant Some Greenery
You don’t have to go crazy and plant a hundred trees (though you could if you want to); one tree will do the trick. If everyone planted a tree on Earth Day that would be millions of more trees to purify the air than we had yesterday. Take the time this year to plant some greenery in the backyard. Whatever’s your favorite—go ahead and plant it, and then enjoy the opportunity to see something you plant grow from the roots up!
Go Plant-Based Everything
Now more than ever, it’s vital for follow-through on a plant-based diet and on plant-based living. Not only should you choose green, meat-free meals with ingredients that help rather than harm the environment, but you should also support a plant-based lifestyle as well. Plant some fruits and veggies in your garden, choose oat milk over dairy, and eat hummus over eggs to get your protein. Making these changes will help save our Earth’s resources!
