Earth Day takes place on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
Every year, over one billion people in more than 193 countries celebrate this global event by participating in activities that support environmental protection and raise awareness about how we impact our world.
And according to EarthDay.org, the official theme for 2023 is Invest In Our Planet.
So we gathered our favorite ways to celebrate Earth Day here today! You’ll find unique and fun ideas to honor Mother Earth solo or with your kids, family, and friends by your side. You could even use these tips to set up the perfect eco-friendly date.
10 Best Ways To Celebrate Earth Day
Did you know that the first Earth Day was celebrated 53 years ago?
Maybe you’ll make a few of these Earth Day activities part of your annual tradition for the next 50 years:
1. Organize a Community Cleanup
Many organizations organize community cleanups on Earth Day, so check social media and do some online sleuthing to find one near you.
If you want to take things into your own hands, go for it! Choose a neighborhood park or local playground that could use a bit of TLC. Then bring trash bags, gloves, and some elbow grease to leave the green space better than you found it.
To make this extra fun, set up a friendly competition to see who can collect the most trash. Then see if local businesses will sponsor a prize for the winner, like a gift card or small token of appreciation.
2. Flex Your Green Thumb
Planting new roots is the best way to invest in our planet. You can plant a tree in a community garden or your backyard. Or you might want to plant wildflowers that attract native pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
If you want to invest in your health, consider planting a fruit or vegetable patch in your yard. You could also create an herb or tea garden in a sunny indoor window.
Nothing will ever taste as delicious as your homegrown organic produce.
3. Make a Wildlife Habitat
Nature’s creatures, big and small, struggle to keep their dwellings as humans expand into their domains. To rehome some native residents in your own backyard:
- Add a fountain, pond, or water feature to help critters stay hydrated and attract birds, frogs, dragonflies, and more.
- Build a birdhouse, bee house, or bug hotel.
- Plant some hedges or shrubs to create a safe space for birds, hedgehogs, and other small animals.
Think about adding more native, edible trees, grasses, and plants that provide berries, seeds, pollen, or fruit for hungry wildlife to feast on too.
4. Take a Hike or Nature Walk
Schedule a day hike somewhere you’ve been eager to trek. Or stroll through your neighborhood or local park. Take your time to smell the roses, breathe the fresh air, listen to the birds chirp, and appreciate the natural wonders around you.
🥾 Don’t forget to pack these day hike essentials to stay safe & be prepared!
Walking is excellent exercise, and you’re sure to reach your daily 10,000-step goal.
5. Go On a Scavenger Hunt at a Local Botanical Garden
Botanical gardens and nature reserves are bursting with rare foliage and wildlife. If you have kids (or competitive friends!), set up a scavenger hunt so they can keep an eye out for these special finds.
Many gardens or nature reserves have websites where you can look up their “local residents.” So make a list of these native inhabitants, share them with your attendees, and see who snaps the most pictures. Give the winner an eco-friendly prize, like a small cactus or succulent.
🌰 Learn how to make your own trail mix to take on your hunt here!
6. Pack an Eco-Friendly Picnic
A zero-waste picnic is the perfect opportunity to celebrate being out in nature while socializing with your loved ones. Choose any green space with a bit of shade to gather the gang for a delicious afternoon.
Pack your picnic basket with reusable containers, utensils, water bottles, and napkins. Scope out these healthy picnic snack ideas too or pack one of your favorite Rise Bars! And bring a blanket or some folding chairs to sit on and a frisbee or deck of cards for fun.
Don’t forget a trash bag to clean up when you’re done!
7. Host a Green Movie Night
Behold the power of nature with an epic green-themed documentary! Invite your crew over for anything narrated by David Attenborough, and you’ll instantly feel more connected to our giant blue planet.
An uplifting, inspiring movie, YouTube video, or TV episode will get everyone talking and motivated to take action. Bonus points if you hold your movie night outside under the stars!
8. Create DIY Upcycled Art
Reduce, reuse, recycle! Anything you can keep out of a landfill will benefit our planet’s health. But you can also have fun turning those items into something beautiful.
Have an upcycled art party where everyone brings unconventional materials, such as newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, cans, plastic bottles, bottle caps, old t-shirts, and more.
Use your creative juices to repurpose those items into things you would have typically bought, such as a planter, farmer’s market tote, or wall art.
9. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint for the Day
Try not to ride in a car, bus, Uber, etc., on Saturday to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the fresh air. See if you can convince your social circle to join you for a relaxing walk or bike ride to explore your locale.
If you’re in the market for a new appliance, use Earth Day to invest in energy-efficient options that will also save you some cash.
10. Support Your Local Makers
Buying local is another way to reduce your carbon footprint. By supporting small business owners and local farmers, you’ll slash the carbon footprint caused by transportation to big chain stores while contributing to your neighborhood economy.
🍅 See what locally-grown produce you can snag in our Ultimate In-Season Food Guide!
Taking Small Steps for a Sustainable Future 🌎
These are just a few environmentally-friendly ideas to get your Earth Day party started. Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to protecting and investing in our planet.
If we all make small strides, they’ll add up to a big positive impact!
Author: Devan Ciccarelli
Email: devan@behappynothangry.com
Instagram/Facebook Group: @behappynothangry/Be Happy Not Hangry
Website: www.behappynothangry.com
