Earth Day is here once again, but it can often feel like there’s no rhyme or reason to the plethora of Earth Day activities. So instead of just winging it, we’ve provided you with some surefire ways to get a real annual Earth Day tradition underway like all the other legit holidays. From creating your own calendars to throwing parties, we’ve got something for everyone!
1. Hit the Streets
Some might agree that there’s not much better for you than getting some fresh air in the great outdoors – even if that means a city or urban area – which is why one of our Earth Day tradition suggestions is to take alternative transportation. Walk the block from your house for breakfast, take the bus or subway, and even consider carpooling to work – organizing the group rides may stick around beyond the occasion. Another option is to incorporate some exercise simultaneously by taking your bike, hoofing it, or even busting out those dusty rollerblades that have been sitting in the garage. Whatever you choose, try to avoid using your car alone.
2. Earth Day Shindig
Ok, so this isn’t all about literal “digging” per say, but it does involve a lot of fun, food, and friends while also celebrating Mother Earth. We’re suggesting an Earth Day party with a few of your closest, or people you feel may need a little enlightening this year. Screen environmental documentaries, such as “An Inconvenient Truth”; “Blue Vinyl”; or “Earthlings,” and ask guests to bring an item to donate to a food bank or other good cause as their entry fee.
Additionally, we would suggest serving vegan or vegetarian food and organic wines and liquor to really get the party started. Compostable plates might not be a bad idea either. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, have guests create Earth Day themed costumes using recycled materials for a fun contest. Good times and environmental awareness all at once – what’s not to love?! This will be an event friends look forward to year after year.
3. Plan Ahead Calendar
If you’d rather have a nice quiet evening at the house, then consider picking up a calendar – made from recycled materials, of course – or use your phone’s calendar to proactively create reminders for the year ahead that will help you accomplish the small, medium, or big goals that will help you feel like you’re making the world a better place. Whether it’s as simple as swapping your light bulbs for something more efficient, upgrading your appliances to ones that use less energy, or a project as involved as eliminating meat from your diet, or setting up a composting station outside, we believe in you! This is an ideal tradition for years to come, especially fun to plan activities for littles in your life as well.
4. Lend a Helping Hand
Volunteers are crucial when it comes to spreading awareness and lending a hand. We think spending Earth Day helping one of your favorite environmental organizations is a great way to have a productive and feel good tradition that can take place year after year, as well as throughout. VolunteerMatch.org is a great place to start looking for opportunities near you – they have over 10,000 opportunities through the United States – wow! Meetup.com is another resource to find local groups. The activities range from sustainability, environmental awareness, and new urbanism, to alternative energy, green home, green living, and vegan and vegetarianism. Go out there are discover something or someone new – like-minded people working towards similar good for the planet goals.
5. Get Down and Dirty
Get down and dirty for Earth Day – right in your own backyard! Take that idea however you wish, but know that we’re talking about getting your hands dirty by planting a few trees or starting that garden you always dreamed about. If you’re short on space or don’t want a gargantuan tree in the yard, then try an Eastern Redbud, Crape Myrtle, Serviceberry, Paper Birch, or Japanese Cherry to name just a few. Vegetable gardening might seem a little daunting, especially if you’re like me and can kill a cactus, but we’ve got a handy little guide from Gardener’s Supply Company to get you started – add a new vegetable every year and you’ll have a thriving food source for you and your family.
How do you feel about our ideas for Earth Day? Do you have any traditions already in the works? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!
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