Earth Day occurs on April 22 each year and is a holiday that dates back to the environmental activism movement of the 1960s. This holiday offers an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of our planet and remind us to protect its natural resources for future generations. Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson is credited with creating this holiday and organizing the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, which 20 million people from across the U.S. attended. Over 190 countries now participate in Earth Day, which has become increasing focused on hot-button issues like global warming, clean energy, and recycling.
If you want to join this environmental movement this year, there are many ways to get involved. Here are some ideas for celebrating Earth Day and recommitting yourself to a more beautiful and sustainable Earth.
Attend an Earth Day Festival
Many communities host Earth Day festivals that offer educational sessions, activist rallies, and activities for the kids. Do an online search to see what’s going on where you live and get involved with local environmental groups.
Plant Trees and Flowers
Another fun way to celebrate Earth Day is to plant something as a way of giving back to the Earth. Plant a tree in your yard, add colorful flowers to your garden to attract beneficial bees, or scatter wildflower seeds to embrace native species.
Start Composting at Home
Earth Day is a great day to start composting at home. Start your own compost bin with food scraps that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Great items to compost include carrot tops, avocado skins, banana peels, and egg shells.
Join a Cleanup Effort
Various outdoor, nature, and environmental groups host cleanup days at local parks, waterways, and trails. Check community events calendars and online meetup groups to see what opportunities exist nearby that you could join and help out with by picking up litter.
Shop at a Local Farmers’ Market
Farmers’ markets are popular places to visit on Earth Day too. Support local agriculture and focus your diet on whole, natural foods starting April 22 and going forward.
Go for a Nature Walk
To appreciate the beauty of our planet, plan to spend some time outdoors and out in nature. If you have kids, this is a great way to get them active and observing the world around them too.
Commit to Easy Household Swaps
Living an eco-friendly lifestyle may sound daunting, but it’s really just about small swaps that make a big difference in the long run. Starting on Earth Day, consider making the switch to natural cleaning products, reusable shopping bags, refillable water bottles, and paperless billing.
Learn More About Conservation
An easy and informative way to celebrate Earth Day is to simply read and learn more about how you can do your part to protect the environment. Here are some environment-related Seagate blogs to get you started: