Each year on April 22, people around the world make time to celebrate our planet on Earth Day. It’s a day to contemplate, show gratitude toward, and take action to protect the planet, which needs our collective efforts more than ever.
If you’re wondering how to celebrate Earth Day, you’re in luck! Here are six smart ways you can make a difference.
#1 Clean up your neighborhood
Almost anyone can help pick up trash in their neighborhood or community. All it takes is a trash bag and some gloves to get started. This makes a fantastic activity for the whole family — little ones love this task because they get to be helpful and see the impact they’re making.
Plus, this activity can be made into a more frequent habit — you can adopt plogging, pliking and plalking. (That’s picking up litter during a jog, bike, or walk!)
How it helps: Keeping litter in the trash ensures it reaches the proper waste management facility and doesn’t end up polluting the oceans. It also beautifies the areas around us.
#2 Go meatless for a day
Producing the meat we consume requires a significant amount of water — per pound, it requires much more water than vegetables, grains or legumes. It also contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. In honor of Earth Day, try opting for non-meat options. You may just like it so much you decide to go meatless more often.
How it helps: Reducing meat intake helps conserve water, preserve natural habitats and lower your carbon footprint. Plus, a low-meat Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, memory loss and more.
#3 Compare electricity companies
Where does your electricity come from? If you haven’t deliberately selected a renewable energy plan for your home, there’s a good chance your home is powered by fossil fuels. Earth Day is the perfect time to review your current energy plan. You can compare electricity companies and see what types of clean energy plans are available in your area (and also compare electricity rates while you’re at it).
To verify the percentage of clean energy in a plan, check the Plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL). In the “Disclosure Chart” section of the EFL document, you can find the line item “Renewable Content.”
To easily shop for renewable energy plans and compare pricing, use Everything Energy’s search and filter tools.
How it helps: Green energy has many environmental benefits such as less global warming emissions and improved public health.
#4 Educate yourself and others
There’s always more being discovered about our environment and the effects humans have on it. Take some time to learn more about an issue that interests you — and what you can do to make a difference. Start with one of the biggest environmental problems of 2024 like food waste, air pollution or fossil fuel emissions, or choose a smaller topic. Then, share what you’ve learned with family or friends. It may inspire them to take action!
How it helps: Knowledge is power! Learning more about the issues affecting the planet can empower us to take action.
#5 Join an organized Earth Day event
If your community or neighborhood has already organized an Earth Day event, grab a family member or friend and join in. It’s a casual way to meet new people, share ideas, and learn about other local events to green up your area all year long.
How it helps: Grassroots efforts at the community level can have a powerful impact on the planet.
#6 Plant a tree
We need trees — they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and provide oxygen for us to breathe. If you’re able to plant a tree in your yard, you’ll be contributing many positive things to the planet, including cleaner air and water. If you’re not able to plant a tree where you live, no problem! You can also make an online donation to have one or more trees planted by organizations like One Tree Planted, the Arbor Day Foundation, and the U.S. Forest Service.
How it helps: Climate ecologists say planting 1.2 trillion trees would have huge benefits in term of absorbing atmospheric CO2.
Conclusion
Whether you participate in one of the activities above or find another way to celebrate the day, remember: small actions add up. We can all play a part in preserving our planet for future generations this Earth Day, and all year ‘round.
To compare electricity companies, plans and rates — including renewable energy options — check out Everything Energy.