In case you’ve missed the flurry of eco-centric advertising campaigns and environmental awareness events planned at your work/school/etc., Earth Day is April 22. While I don’t think our appreciation of the planet and our awareness of our impacts should be limited to one day a year, I do appreciate Earth Day as a time for us to collectively celebrate everything the Earth does for us and everything we can do for the Earth. But, given that the Earth does SO much for us, like literally we couldn’t survive without it, I don’t think one day of celebration does it justice, therefore I propose that you celebrate Earth Week rather than Earth Day. If you need some inspiration for how to celebrate Earth Week, here are seven activities you can do.
1. Watch a documentary about an environmental problem
While watching Planet Earth or some other nature documentary could also be a good way to remind yourself how beautiful and inspiring our planet is, I’d suggest that instead you try to watch a documentary about some kind of environmental problem. Yeah, it will likely be uncomfortable to learn about the problems we’re causing in nature, but again, we owe a lot to the Earth, and we owe it to the planet to not turn a blind eye to the problems it’s facing. And, on the positive side, many documentaries will suggest actions that you can take to help alleviate the problem in question, which can inspire ways that you could live more sustainably. Here are a few documentaries (all available on Netflix) that I’d suggest:
2. Make a resolution to replace a single use item with a reusable one.
Maybe you already do this by using a reusable shopping bag or water bottle, but I’m willing to bet there are some other single-use products you use frequently that you could replace with a more sustainable alternative. Here are a few ideas. Pick one, buy a reusable alternative (or find something you already own that could work) and make a resolution and plan to help you remember to use it.
3. Eat vegetarian or vegan for one day
There’s no question that the production of meat creates a lot more carbon and pollution than plant-based foods. Even if you don’t go full vegetarian or vegan, cutting down on your meat consumption in any way is good for the environment. Eat vegetarian or vegan for one day to lower your environmental impact, and you might even find it’s not as hard as you thought it would be.
4. Plant a tree
It just so happens that Arbor Day is April 27, which falls during Earth Week. Plant a tree in your yard, or if that’s not an option, find an Arbor Day event and help out there.
5. Buy something at your farmer’s market
Many seasonal farmer’s markets begin in mid-to-late April. Make a point to find out if your local market is open and do some shopping if you can. If there isn’t a farmer’s market in your area that is open yet, mark the opening date on your calendar and find out where else you may be able to find local products.
6. Take a walk/bike/hike (i.e. get outside!)
The best way to appreciate nature is to spend time out in it. What you do is up to you, but make a point to spend some time getting some fresh air and exercise while appreciating the beauty of springtime in your area.
7. Host an Earth Day gathering
The best way to amplify your impacts and have more fun is to include your friends and family in whatever activities you take part in for Earth Week. All of the previous suggestions can be done with groups, so be sure to invite people to join in your celebration!
This is by no means a comprehensive list of things you could do to celebrate Earth Week. Have ideas for other activities to take part in? Let me know in the comments! And you can do these activities more than once, even make a habit of them, to lower your impacts, celebrate the Earth and flourish all year long!
Flourishing 