8 WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY
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.
3. Shop Your Local Farmers Market
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 curb side 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-lock bags
5. Cut Carbons
Walk or bike to work or send kids to school on foot 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.
