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27 Sustainability Tips To Make An Impact Beyond Earth Day

Liv Birdsall

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Earth Day is an annual celebration that takes place on April 22nd and is recognized worldwide. It is a day to celebrate our planet's natural beauty and to raise awareness about the environmental challenges that we face. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, and since then, it has become a global event that brings together individuals, communities, and organizations to take action and make a positive impact on the planet.

For many people, Earth Day is their favorite holiday because it serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our planet. It's a great opportunity to reflect on our own actions and consider ways in which we can reduce our environmental impact. This can include simple actions, like using reusable bags, conserving water, or biking instead of driving. It can also involve supporting environmentally-friendly businesses or advocating for policy changes that prioritize sustainability.

Earth Day is more than just a day of celebration; it's a call to action. It reminds us that we all have a responsibility to protect our planet and to work towards a more sustainable future. By taking action on Earth Day and beyond, we can make a difference and help create a better world for ourselves and future generations.

As a spring date, Earth Day also serves as a reminder of the beauty and importance of nature. It's a time when we can appreciate the blooming flowers, the buzzing bees, and the fresh air. By celebrating Earth Day, we can renew our connection to the natural world and deepen our appreciation for all that it offers.

What is sustainability? 

Sustainability is the “avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.” The idea prioritizes conscious consumption and collaboration because we can’t save resources or better our home planet without working together. Everyone’s definition of what is sustainable (and what is sustainable for them) will differ. Not everyone can access the same natural resources, afford the same brands, or limit consumption in the same ways. However, there are a few universal principles that guide sustainability efforts, such as reducing waste, minimizing a carbon footprint, and supporting ethical and eco-friendly companies. 

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important as we face climate change and other environmental challenges, even though the conversation may be more dire in certain countries and neighborhoods as compared to others. By prioritizing sustainable practices, we can help reduce our impact on the environment and preserve natural resources–not only for ourselves, but for future generations as well.

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This requires a collaborative effort from individuals, businesses, and governments; this is why a part of being eco-friendly includes activism, advocating for greener alternatives, and voting for policies that align with your values.

Despite these challenges, sustainability is an important goal that we should all strive for. By working together and making conscious choices, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for the planet. An important reminder is that you don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it always.

Try making strides one thing at a time: swapping single-use plastic for reusable options, carpooling or riding public transportation, thrifting instead of buying (and shipping) brand new, eating plant-based meals or snacks a few times a week, or getting produce from a local farmer’s market.

Educational Opportunities For The Planet

There is often a lack of education and awareness around sustainability, which can make it difficult for people to make informed choices. And, in cases where there is information, it’s not always scientifically factual or readily understandable. (Have you ever tried reading EPA reports or UN findings? They’re dense!)

WATCH VIRTUAL EARTH DAY EVENTS FROM YOUR OWN HOME

Earth Day events will include youth global climate summits, consisting of the youth activists of today speaking and raising awareness about how we can help our only planet in today’s world, as well as discussions on how climate change affects the social choices we make.

You can also expect panels hosting climate professionals, activists, and visionaries, discussing topics like environmental literacy, equity and environmental justice, reforestation efforts, and more. 

Tune in to one of these events to learn a bit more about where our planet is headed and how you can help.

Watch Virtual Earth Day Events Here

FOR CHILDREN

For your children, one of the best ways to educate them on climate protection is by getting them outside! Once your child is outside, exploring, and finding all the magical wonders of the Earth, they won’t want it to ever go away. This is an excellent time to introduce games or activities that help to educate them on climate change and the dangers of pollution in child-friendly ways. You can even pick up trash together as a way to start imparting the importance of caring for the environment. 

FOR ADULTS

If you want to educate yourself on climate change, you can start by seeing what your carbon footprint is. This test isn’t meant to scare you, but rather to let you know what you can improve on and change to help lead the fight towards a greener planet. 

You can also take online courses on climate change that will help educate you on topics you may have never heard of or want a deeper understanding about. 

Take the Carbon Footprint Test here

Volunteer Opportunities To Contribute In Your Community

You can help the Earth every day in small–but active–changes. Here are a few volunteer, donation, education, and small change opportunities you can add into your life for the health of the planet. 

FIND LOCAL PROGRAMS

You don’t have to travel far to help the environment. Look for programs around you that focus on environmental sustainability and creating a healthier tomorrow, both in small and large ways. Often, the internet promotes visiting less fortunate countries to help in environmental efforts. While this is a worthy and much-needed cause, it may be financially outside of your ability. There are plenty of local sustainability efforts that need volunteers and funding that you can work on from your own backyard. Look for Earth Day events at your local library, 4-H clubs, food banks, and parks.

PLANT TREES

You can do this independently by planting more trees and vegetation around your yard or joining a volunteer service. Look around for organizations near you that help in planting trees around your community. Reach out and see if they need help!

PICK UP TRASH

Similar to planting trees, you can do this independently or with a group. This can even be a rewarding activity to do with friends. Make sure, especially, to focus on litter cleanup near local waterways, such as rivers and ponds. Hundreds of organisms live in that ecosphere; help protect them by keeping litter and plastics out of the waterways and natural areas. 

WALK OR RUN FOR THE EARTH

Many charities are hosting fun runs to raise money for the Earth. Help a charity earn money by participating via walking or running. 

RECYCLE PROPERLY

Have any leftover batteries that you don’t know what to do with? Drive to a special recycling facility to dispose of these products in a productive and healthy way. You can even ask around if anybody in your community has odd recycling items that they need to dispose of.

Donation Opportunities

COALITION FOR RAINFOREST NATIONS

This organization is made up of over 50 rainforest nations around the world. The Coalition works largely in part because of its backing of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) practices. Through this practice, huge amounts of emissions, such as CO2, have been reduced. They also played a part in securing an agreement on forestry through the Paris Agreement.

You can donate to their organization here or buy items from their store here. 

CLEAN AIR TASK FORCE

This NGO has been working to minimize air pollution since 1996. The Clean Air Task Force is unique in that they focus on areas that other organizations often overlook, ensuring that every initiative involving climate change prevention gets the attention it deserves.

Donate to the Clean Air Task Force here. 

CLIMATE EMERGENCY FUND

This is a newer organization that’s aiming to spread awareness and advocate for more environmental protection. The goal of the Climate Emergency Fund is to give supplies and set up events for climate change protests. The organization was recently founded in July 2019, meaning that it’s newer than many other environmental charities. However, that also means that less money is rolling in from donations!

You can be a part of the change by donating here.

Small Changes To Make for a More Sustainable Impact

Volunteering, donating, and educating yourself on the effects of climate change are all vital to protecting our planet. However, you can also make small changes in your daily life that will, in turn, help the planet.

Compost Scraps

Compost your food scraps and foods that you won’t be eating (like moldy fruit or stale leftovers). Don’t forget to recycle what you can’t compost before throwing things away.

Start An Herb Garden

Grow your own food! Try growing easy herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro. If you have the space, plant a garden to grow even more food and be self-sufficient. 

Try Plastic and Package-Free Beauty Products

Swap to a shampoo bar and conditioner bar for a plastic-free hair care routine.

Get an Energy Audit

Get an energy audit to find out if your home is operating smoothly; where are the gaps? Can you scale back your water usage or insulate your home to better retain heat and lower your bills? Sounds like a win-win to us!

Swap to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Start using eco-friendly cleaning products that are better for you, your children, pets, and the environment. 

Carry a Reusable Cup When On The Go

Carry a reusable cup or water bottle so that you don’t need to use a single-use cup.

Catch a Ride With a Friend

Carpool with friends, family, or colleagues to reduce emissions (and lessen traffic!).

Carry a Reusable Tote or Bag

Always have a reusable bag on hand so you can say no to plastic grocery bags. These bags can work as a tote or purse, and most have a large capacity for a shopping spree or produce run.

VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLAR

Spend your money intentionally, supporting brands with sustainable practices and ethical values. Look for brands that have third-party certifications: B Corporations, Fair-Trade Certified Factories, Bluesign, Leaping Bunny, OEKO-TEX, Forest Stewardship Council, and Cradle to Cradle. Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, so find what’s important to you and look for brands that align. 

Meal Plan

Plan your meals ahead. Eating on the go can lead to a lot of waste; think of the packaging, which is often plastic, as well as to-go utensils. 

EAT LESS MEAT

Consider reducing your animal consumption in some way, by doing Meatless Mondays, or trying a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The meat industry is one of the largest contributing factors to climate change. While we are not telling you what to eat, try decreasing your intake of meat once in a while or on a regular basis.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO A SHORTER SHOWER

A long shower is nice every now and then, but stick to a shorter time daily to save water.

UNPLUG YOUR ELECTRONICS WHEN NOT IN USE

These cords and appliances plugged in are known as “vampire appliances” and are using small amounts of energy without you even being aware! Unplug electronics in rooms that you don’t use often (like a guest room or an office after-hours).

Continue Sustainability Even After Earth Day

A quick search online will produce hundreds of charities to donate to, volunteer at, and learn from. A great way to narrow down the options is to consider what area you are most passionate about. Stopping pollution? Fighting for less meat production? Saving the oceans and waterways? In order to help with any cause, you need to be passionate about it. Find organizations near you and get to volunteering!

But, above all else, don’t stop this environmental protection work after Earth Day. Incorporate small changes into your everyday routine to allow for a more sustainable daily life and collective tomorrow. 

Resources to learn more

Books

Websites

Sustainability Influencers

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