Today is Earth Day.
This campaign encourages everyone to “Invest in Our Planet” this year. While many environmental protection goals have remained consistent over the years, This year’s theme is about “accelerate solutions to combating our greatest threat, climate change, and to enable everyone – governments, citizens, and businesses – to do their part. Everyone is responsible, and everyone is responsible.”
Around the world, more than a billion people participate in protests, marches, and massive clean-ups to highlight the importance and urgency of preserving the environment.
However, we are not going to tell you that saving our world starts with you. Since the first Earth Day was held in 1970, CO2 . emissions has increased by about 90 percent, and humans have consumed a large part of the available carbon budget over time and all of humanity, pushing us to the brink of climate catastrophe. This is why protecting the Earth requires government action to bridge the gap between net zero rhetoric and reality by phasing out oil and gas production.
However, being part of the solution instead of the problem does have its rewards. From picking up trash to isolating homes and getting involved politically, there are many ways to take action against pollution, expand awareness and understanding, and protect the precious environment around us.
Think of today as a catalyst to trigger action. If you want to share on this Earth Day, and hopefully every day, encourage others to do the same to make the third stone from the sun a better place for all of us.
There are lots of little things you can do to celebrate, and we’ve compiled a list of some of our best suggestions below.
6. Support the transition to a green economy
In line with the theme of Earth Day 2022, understanding the financial aspects of climate change, agriculture, food, and product manufacturing, and tracking where your money is going, can be a great start.
Individuals cannot change an entire economy, but they have the simple but powerful ability to make their voices heard through choice. Gen Z is an important example of this, because 45 percent of generations have stopped buying certain brands due to ethical or sustainability concerns. Conscious customers hold the power to keep businesses focused on clean manufacturing, use of low carbon materials and energy efficiency.
5. Demand accountability from the government
As long as federal laws are in place that support and enable a fossil fuel-based economy, the worst effects of climate change will only increase. As a climate-conscious citizen, you can shape policy by voting for candidates with good climate scores and writing directly to your congressmen about your climate issues.
You can also get involved in climate organizations and social movements to sue companies, and government leaders to reduce climate pollution under their jurisdiction.
4. Participate in local events
There is a lot of activity going on around the world, which means more opportunities for you to be educated and involved.
Site clean-ups, festivals, conservation events, teaching, film screenings, and webinars are all available, and you can find a lot more events in the EarthDay.org database. To give you some ideas, you could volunteer for a community cleanup, start a recycling program, or even grow plants that attract pollinators to your yard. The possibilities are endless.
3. Go green
From cooking and cleaning to fashion and finances, there are lots of actions you can take to make sure you’re responsible for the planet.
You can strive to recycle as much as possible and reduce your waste through careful shopping choices and reusing as much as possible. Keep in mind that repairing worn or used items and opting for antique or used items is one of the simplest ways to shop sustainably. As a rule of thumb, shopping in person is usually more eco-friendly than shopping online — especially if you walk there! And try to avoid buying fast fashion. In fact, don’t let Earth Day be hijacked by opportunistic brands looking to profit from greedy overconsumption.
Considering where you can cut your energy consumption is also important. You can turn off lights when not in use, never leave electronic devices in standby mode, and replace light bulbs with energy-saving LED options. Lowering the heat a few degrees, as well as insulating your home wisely, will also make a difference.
When it comes to what you put in your diet, consuming less animal products is very important. The meat industry has a significant impact on the environment, from fueling climate change to polluting landscapes and waterways. Consider this: According to a study, if everyone in the US reduced their meat intake by 25 percent, annual greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by a little over 1 percent. If everyone in the country became vegetarian, the savings would be roughly 5 percent!
Also, don’t be the one to recycle cans and collect trash before turning around in their SUV to head home. Taking the bus, subway, or train instead of driving your car is one of the best things you can do for the environment.
2. Take a walk
Earth Day serves as a reminder of how beautiful and magnificent our planet is. You are welcome to take advantage of it.
Spend the day outside if you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, reading, checking out, or simply enjoying some deep breaths of fresh air. Plant trees and make it an annual tradition, and observe plants – marvel at their vibrant colors, finely interwoven veins, and the incredible durability that allows them to grow in the strangest places on earth.
If you live in a big city with lots of people around, find a green area and learn about the plants and animals that live in your area. Enjoy the endless blue skies and feel the feeling of awe that can somehow easily be triggered by the pink sunsets you’ve seen thousands of times before, and show love to the beautiful place we all call home.
1. Go ahead
So, let’s say you decide to celebrate Earth Day by skipping showers to conserve water. It’s kind of you to do something good for the environment; however, it is better to maintain that mindset after Earth Day by not letting your energy-saving actions be a one-off.
The climate crisis is a colossal and tangled mess that requires all our wits and ingenuity to unravel. If we can work collectively to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and reverse the destruction of nature, only then will we really have something to celebrate in the future.