Earth Day 2024: 10 Activities That Can Help Protect Our Planet!

Earth Day, or International Mother Earth Day, is an annual event celebrated worldwide to spread awareness and bring people together to protect the environment. It is observed annually on April 22 and was first celebrated in 1970, when Senator Gaylord Nelson raised concerns regarding the degrading environmental conditions. This day reminds us that our planet needs our attention to fight issues like climate change, increased pollution levels, and the loss of biodiversity.

Here are 10 activities you can incorporate into your daily routine on the occasion of Earth Day to bring change. Remember, every little action counts. By incorporating these practices into your life, you can make a positive difference for the planet.

10 Earth Day Activities for a Sustainable Future

1. Plant treesThis is the first and foremost thing that one can do on Earth Day. Trees not only beautify any area, but they also help the environment produce oxygen and filter out all kinds of pollutants from the air to clean it. It also saves energy, reduces pollution levels, and helps combat climate change. So, every human being must plant a tree for the good.
2. Reduce, reuse, and recycleThis classic trio remains a powerful strategy to help save the earth. Reduce the non-biodegradable materials you consume, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle materials responsibly to conserve natural resources and landfill space.
3. Conserve energyTurn off lights and electronics when not in use, unplug chargers, and consider switching to energy efficient appliances to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This will not only save you money but also help to curb pollution.
4. Educate yourself and spread awarenessThis is another way to help save your planet on Earth Day. While efforts are made to raise awareness in institutions and schools, the elderly must be mindful of their actions that lead to environmental damage. Talk to your friends and family about environmental issues and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices.
5. Be water-wiseMake sure to turn off the tap while you are brushing, shaving, or doing some other work. Take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets, and water your lawn wisely. Also, drink filtered tap water instead of bottled water. It will save you a lot of money and reduce plastic waste as well. Remember, every drop counts, and a simple act can do wonders.
6. Give Up PlasticsHumans are addicted to plastic; around 1 million people buy plastic drinking bottles every minute around the world and use up to 5 trillion single-use plastic bags every year. So, it’s time to break the cycle this Earth Day and start avoiding plastic. Start by saying no to plastic shopping bags, buying bottled water, or plastic utensils. Instead, use cloth bags and reusable utensils to create a healthier planet.
7. Choose To Walk, Use Bike or Public TransportationTravel via Bike, walk, carpool, or use public transportation whenever possible, as these are obvious ways to reduce greenhouse gases. This also reduces your carbon footprint and traffic congestion.
8. Eat Sustainable FoodsStart a small vegetable garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables, or choose food from local farmers that aim to conserve natural resources to reduce your reliance on industrial agriculture and its environmental impact. Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts and fewer red meats and processed foods can make a difference.
9. VolunteerWe should all keep our surroundings clean as picking up roadside trash is not a job meant for only a handful of people. Hence, volunteer for cleanups in your community and pick up roadside trash, segregate it, and clean your area. It will stop your area from becoming a breeding ground for diseases.
10. Try CompostingCollect the banana peels, orange rinds, and other produce scraps into the compost bin. This method is one of many ways people can reduce their negative impact on the planet, as it would help reduce the amount of solid waste one produces. Plus, compost is a great natural fertiliser.