7 Earth Day activities to help protect and preserve the environment.
It’s been 48 years since the first Earth Day celebration on April 22, 1970. You may remember when U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, of CapTel’s home state of Wisconsin, dubbed the day to honor Mother Earth. He launched a grassroots effort to protect and preserve the environment, and 20 million Americans participated in various festivities around the country that first year. There have been many environmental awareness measures undertaken since then, including cleaner air and water acts across the states. The future is certain to bring even more progress.
Watch an excerpt of Gaylord Nelson’s Earth Day speech in this 1970 report by Walter Cronkite.
Today, we invite you to share the history of this momentous event with family and friends as you celebrate with these Earth Day activities:
- Plant a vegetable garden
- Drink from reusable water bottles
- Increase your home’s energy efficiency
- Bring your own grocery bags
- Volunteer your time
- Switch to electronic bills
- Appreciate nature
Learn more about how you can help protect and preserve – and appreciate – our planet’s resources with these Earth Day celebration ideas below.
1. Plant an organic vegetable garden
Growing your own organic vegetables gives you access to fresh and healthy food without harmful pesticides. It can also save transportation energy and costs – not to mention money on your grocery bills. If you’re a beginner, start small. Good soil and a few plants are all you need! Don’t have space for an outdoor garden? Consider an indoor herb garden on a sunny windowsill.
Learn more about how planting a garden can benefit the planet here.
2. Drink from reusable water bottles
While plastic water bottles are recyclable, experts found that most do not wind up in the recycle bin. Instead, they can end up polluting landfills and oceans. One of the ways to celebrate Earth Day is by switching to a reusable water bottle that can save the energy required to produce, transport, and recycle plastic bottles.
Discover what reviewers at the New York Times said about these reusable water bottles.
3. Increase your home’s energy efficiency
Modifying your home to save energy will not only honor the environment, but it will also save money in the long run. Upgrades such as opting for energy-efficient appliances, replacing incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, insulating your home, and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures can go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint – and your monthly expenses.
Here are 10 easy ways to save money and energy in your home.
4. Bring your own grocery bags
Why use something once when you can use it over and over again? This is the idea that spurred the movement to bring your own bags to the grocery store to avoid single-use plastic or paper bags that can have environmental consequences. Even if it is not a requirement in your state, choosing reusable bags could make you a green pioneer in your neighborhood.
Check out the earth-friendly benefits of reusable bags here.
5. Volunteer your time
Volunteering with a charity that works to protect environmental resources is a wonderful way to celebrate Earth Day and leave a legacy for generations to follow. From water conservation to community garden projects, think about a mission that speaks to you. Whether it’s once a week, once a month, or once a year, any amount of time you’re able to donate can make a difference.
Get matched with an environmental advocacy volunteer opportunity near you here.
6. Switch to electronic bills
If you’re computer savvy, consider requesting electronic versions of your bills, invoices, and banking statements. Choosing to receive these items via email or online instead of paper versions by mail can save trees and help the environment.
Do you use your computer time to connect with friends and family online? Check out these social media tips for seniors.
7. Appreciate nature
Whether it’s going to a park or garden, strolling through a forest, or taking in a spectacular view in your own backyard, take time to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. Spending time outdoors can serve as a pleasant reminder of the reasons to continue protecting our magical planet.
Get outside and enjoy one of these outdoor Earth Day activities with your family and friends!
We hope these Earth Day celebration ideas will inspire you to honor Mother Earth today and every day. For more articles on senior living and independence, visit our blog today.
