If you do a Google search for “Earth Day” you’re likely to find hundreds upon hundreds of suggestions about how to spend April 22, and am I going to do that too? Yea, I am. But first things first…
Earth Day is a birthday so to speak – a day to celebrate the earth. It was created in 1970 as a way to remind us to appreciate nature and learn how to protect our environment. And while it is celebrated in the spring in the northern hemisphere, it is actually observed in the autumn in the southern hemisphere (both days being the exact “middle point” of the season). Internationally, it reaches over 17,000 organizations in 174 countries, so this (like the newer Earth Hour project) is a worldwide event.
No matter what you do to celebrate the day, it can be truly significant. If you simply take notice of the earth and how lucky we truly are, you have celebrated! So here are some simple ideas, if you don’t have some terrific ones of your own!
- See “Earth” – the Disneynature film that is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
- Plant a tree – buy a tree for your yard or sponsor the planting of a tree.
- Plan an eco-friendly meal – eat organic, locally-grown produce and get a taste of the earth!
- Attend an Earth event – check your local zoo, botanical gardens, nature center or community’s programs.
- Read a book – if your children are burnt out on their own nature books, check out the local library for some new selections.
- Clean out the clutter – and donate what you own that no longer has a purpose, to keep it out of the trash and landfills.
- Go for a walk – your own neighborhood or a local hiking path can remind you of the wonder of nature.
- Pick up some trash – this can be coupled with your walk and accomplish even more!
- Break ground for a garden – as organic as you can get!
- Adopt nature – sponsor an endangered species or an acre of rainforest.
- Make recycled crafts – your own home (and recycle bin) is full of supplies!
- Change a habit – whether it’s cleaning products or a pledge to recycle more, every change is a good change.
- Switch to CFLs – buy some! And when an old incandescent burns out, switch ‘em out!
- USE those reusable bags – vow to make this a priority!
- “Talk about it!” – talk about what Earth Day really means… with your kids, your friends, your neighbor… anyone that might need to know or need a little “push!”
There are still a few days to make your plans, but just be sure to plan something. But I truly believe that teaching our kids to respect the earth and appreciate this amazing planet is the best way to celebrate… kids that are taught to be “environmentally aware” grow up to be environmentally aware adults!
And remember… April 22 isn’t the only Earth Day… EVERY day should be Earth Day!
Disclosure Policy
We’re going for a long walk to talk about what we see. We do this often, but today’s walk will be extra special!
Green – there is so much to see on a simple walk, especially looking through “children’s eyes!” Enjoy!
Here’s the link to another website that may interest you. It’s a preview of show about green technologies set to make its debut on Earth Day. Check out our myth-busting video “What’s Your Big Green Lie?!” which gives a taste of the widespread ignorance of green issues at http://www.biggreenlies.com.
Scott – already scheduled to record it on the DVR!
I absolutely love your ideas. It’s nice to know that there are ways to celebrate Earth Day without climbing onto my roof and assembling solar panels. It really is the simple things that can make a difference too. Thanks so much for your great site! -Jordan
Jordan – Hi and glad you visited and liked the ideas! You won’t ever catch Mom Goes Green suggesting things like solar panels!
While I believe in them and if they are a possibility, I would say ‘yes, absolutely do it!’ it’s not realistic for many of us… I just hope to bring real ideas for regular moms and families! Thanks again!
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