Celebrate Earth Day
Earth Day has been celebrated around the world every year on April 22 since 1970. The date was chosen because of Arbor Day and its association with planting of new trees. Earth Day was the start of the modern environmental movement and is a day of political action and civic participation. To take part, we provide some ideas on how to get involved in this year’s Earth Day—plus things you can do every day!
Outdoor Activities
Trash Cleanup – If you enjoy spending time outside, Earth Day is the perfect time to get outside to enjoy beautiful weather. While you are enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s for a walk or hike, pick up any trash you see along the way. Litter is not only an eyesore but it’s bad for the environment. Try to go somewhere like a local creek or hiking trail. If assistance is needed, a HomeWell caregiver can be the perfect companion to help your loved one do something they love.
Plant a Garden – If you have space and you can plant a garden, that is a great way to give back to the environment. You can make it as big or small as you want. A small window box is also a great way to spruce up the outside of your home and you’ll enjoy watching something grow.
Buy Local – Head to your local farmer’s market to buy produce from local farmers. You’ll be supporting local businesses and have fresh produce for the week. If heading out to the local farmer’s market is too difficult, many do offer home deliveries, or you may opt to enlist the help of a caregiver.
Indoor Activities
Go Vegetarian – To help combat climate change and celebrate Earth Day, try doing meatless Mondays. Participating in a plant-based diet can have positive effects on the environment. There are also many recipes that are meat-free, easy to make and incredibly healthy. Our HomeWell caregivers often help clients with meal preparation and cooking.
Learn and Advocate – There are many assessments and petitions regarding climate change. Find one that resonates with you, do a little research, and sign an online petition. Here are a few to get you started:
Add climate literacy to school curriculums
Find out your carbon footprint
Contact your Representative – You can write a letter to your local elected officials or congress person letting them know how climate change is affecting your area and what changes you’d like to see.
Reusable Bags – The convenience of plastic bags at the store are great, but they’re not so great for the environment. Start using reusable bags when you go to the store. If you do have plastic bags, most grocery stores have a recycling bin specifically for those bags. On your next trip, take any plastic bags with you to recycle.
Adjust Your Everyday – Integrate a simple act of green every day by changing a few things like taking a shorter shower, turning off lights and/or adjusting your thermostat.
You don’t have to wait until Earth Day to start putting any of these ideas into practice. You can start now, and you can practice them every day. Many of these activities are great to do as a family or with friends. It’s a great way to create lasting, meaningful memories that can carry on through generations to come. And if you decide to just get out to enjoy the outdoors, that works too!