Let's all do our part to protect the planet so future generations can continue to enjoy the healing benefits of nature!
Here are 11 things you can do to celebrate Earth Day, even if you're not on the trails.
1. Learn How To Reduce Your Waste At Home
From your coffee routine, to your laundry/ cleaning routine, to your skincare routine, there are tons of ways you can add eco-friendly little tweaks to your daily life at home.
2. Go For A Bike Ride
Bikes are a great way to exercise, commute, and well- get outside!
3. Plant A Tree or Veggie Garden
If you’re making guac tonight, don’t throw out that avocado seed! Why not grow the pit into a full blown avocado tree? #notextra
If you want to adopt a plant baby, then try calling your local nursery to see if they are open. Nurseries are considered essential businesses and are mostly still open during this time.
And if all of this sounds overwhelming, plant some herbs like rosemary or chives. They’re super easy to grow. You’d have to try pretty hard to kill one of these.
4. Watch An Environmental Documentary on Netflix
Most importantly, if there was a message in this film that resonated with you, commit to taking action.
Even deciding to take one small action makes a difference. And who knows how that one small action will evolve over the years.
5. Keep Your Car In The Garage
Ride your bike or walk to the market, park, or wherever you planned on going that day.
6. Invest in Reusable Utensils
Quit single-use plastic utensils by equipping yourself with a set of reusable utensils. I’ve had my bamboo utensils for years and they’re still going strong.
Bamboo is an incredibly renewable resource. In fact, it can grow up to three feet in a single day.
7. Meditate Outside
Whether you're able to find wide open space at your local park or you have a patio or balcony to sit on, find a space outdoors that you can close your eyes and get quiet.
Not familiar with how to meditate? No worries, just close your eyes, relax, and begin to notice the sensations of simply sitting there. Notice the breeze on your skin, the sunshine, the sounds, the smells, the temperature of the air.
Simply observe the world around you with closed eyes as you breathe deeply.
If you’re an experienced meditator, go ahead and do your favorite style of meditation.
8. Learn more about your favorite National Park
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If you’re anything like me and a total fangirl of the National Parks in your country, then this will be a fun one for you. Take some time to do a little research about:
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History
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Native people of the land
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Flora and Fauna
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Fun Facts
Deepening your connection with that National Park will have you experiencing it in a whole new way on your next trip there. And you’ll totally impress your friends because you’re a total adventurous smartypants.
9. Study Your Local Land
Brush up on learning more about the land on which you live or where you’re from like:
- Geography
- Geology
- Native People
- Native Plants
- Invasive Plants
- Wildlife
10. Go Meatless For A Day
Dramatically reduce your carbon footprint for the day by ditching the meat and dairy and embracing plant-based meals.
Animal agriculture greatly contributes to greenhouse gases, water and air pollution, and not to mention uses a substantial amount of resources to produce.
If you’ve never tried making a meatless meal before, start with something simple like pasta with veggies.
And if you don’t want to cook, order a sofritas burrito from Chipotle. I promise, they're so delicious and Chipotle is doing free delivery right now.
11. Donate To An Earth or Outdoor Recreation Protecting Charity
There are many outdoor protecting charities that do incredible work to protect our environment, our oceans, and our trails. Consider donating (even a small amount like $5) to organizations like Leave No Trace.
As you can see, there are still a ton of ways to feel connected to Earth and show some love this Earth Day- even if you can't go hiking.
Brianna is the founder of the outdoor adventure and sustainability blog, Dare To Be A Wildflower. She’s a hiker, backpacker, rock climber, gear nerd, and single-use plastic rebel. She’s committed to teaching people how to live life with more adventures and less plastic. To catch her live adventures, check out her instagram stories at @daretobeawildflower.
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