International Earth Day is an annual celebration that falls on 22 April to advocate for environmental protection. So here are ten ways to help the planet on International Earth Day.
First celebrated in 1970, International Earth Day is an annual event that encourages people globally to do their bit and finds ways to help the planet and protect the world we live in.
With the aim of diversifying, educating, and activating the environmental movement worldwide, International Earth Day is the perfect day to start making small changes that can have a huge impact on the planet.
With the earth in a state of environmental crisis, here are some small ways to help the planet this International Earth Day.
10. Educate yourself – a great place to start
With a wealth of resources available at our fingertips, a quick Google search can teach you so much about the impact of climate change on the earth.
Keeping up with news about the state of the natural world is one of the best ways to do your bit for the planet.
9. Donate – support volunteers
There are plenty of charitable organisations centred around both research and practical work to help stop global warming.
If you don’t have time to get out and volunteer for yourself, one of the best ways to help the planet on International Earth Day is by donating to one of these organisations.
8. Plant a tree – counter deforestation
One of the biggest problems in the natural world today is the alarming rate of deforestation. Between 2015 and 2020, the rate was estimated at 10 million hectares per year!
Planting a tree in your local community can help reduce the effects of climate change by purifying the air of CO2 and absorbing pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides, ozone, ammonia, and sulphur dioxide.
7. Buy more ethically – food, clothing, and more
Making more ethical choices in your buying habits is one of the easiest ways to slow the rate of global warming.
Buying food from local farmers markets not only supports local producers but also limits CO2 emissions in transportation.
If you’re buying new clothes, furniture, books, and more, check out second-hand and charity shops where you can find great unique pieces while reducing waste.
6. Use less water – don’t leave the tap running
One of the easiest ways to be more mindful about your impact on the planet is to watch your water usage.
Turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth, have shorter showers, and limit washing dishes to once a day.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint – walk when you can
If you need to go to your local shop, think about walking instead of driving. Or if it’s a longer journey, consider taking public transport.
Cars are a massive contributor to air pollution, so only driving when it is absolutely necessary – or even carpooling with someone going in the same direction – is one of the best ways to help the planet on International Earth Day.
4. Go litter-picking – join a local clean up
Cleaning up your local park or beach is not only a great way to look after the environment, but it will also make your local area look much cleaner!
Do a quick search to find out if there is an organised clean-up in your local area to join like-minded people. And if not, you can always grab a bag and a litter-picker and do it for yourself!
3. Eat less meat – a huge contributor to climate change
The production and consumption of animal products is one of the biggest contributors to global warming, so limiting your meat intake is an easy way to do your bit for the environment.
If you’re not ready to commit to a full vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, try meat-free Mondays or incorporate meat-and-dairy-free alternatives
2. Go paperless and plastic-free – reduce your impact
One of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment is to go paperless and plastic-free.
Find out if there is a zero-waste shop in your local area where you can bring your own Tupperware instead of buying food packaged in single-use plastic, switch to online bank statements, and bring a reusable bag when you do your shopping.
1. Recycle – simple but effective
From a young age, we are all taught the mantra of the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. Putting these three principles to use are some of the best ways to help the planet on International Earth Day.
Put plastic bottles, glass jars, cardboard, and more into your recycling bin or local recycling bank so they can be put to use again instead of going straight to a landfill.
