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Celebrate Earth Day with eco-friendly activities
Earth Day is not only a time to give back to our planet but also a day to celebrate nature and be thankful for our beautiful Earth. With temperatures rising, it’s the perfect time of year to get outside.
While the entire world is much more educated on the effect we have on the environment, there are still actions we can take to preserve our planet. From spending time outdoors to purchasing sustainable products, here are the best Earth Day activities for adults and kids alike. From birdhouse building to nature cleanup, they’ll help you celebrate nature and make a meaningful environmental impact.
Shop this article: Black Duck Brand Set of 50 Flower Seed Packets, Toysmith Beetle & Bee Build A Bird Bungalow and Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid
What to know about Earth Day
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 and has been for over half a century. This celebration came together through the combined efforts of activists and the government. On the first Earth Day in 1970, roads were closed for pollution protests, elementary students planted flowers and volunteers cleaned public areas.
That very first Earth Day led to many laws being passed in the United States, including the Clean Air Act and the National Environmental Education Act. Now, Earth Day is celebrated by over 190 countries and is part of the curriculum in many schools, from educating students on the effects of litter to yearly campaigns such as “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Practical ways to take care of the Earth every day
- Recycle: You can recycle in your own home or use the correct recycling bin or waste bin while out and about.
- Turn off the water: When you’re brushing your teeth or washing the dishes, the water doesn’t need to be running.
- Turn off the lights: Be sure to turn off the lights whenever you leave a room.
- Donate: Instead of throwing away old furniture, clothes or toys, hand them down to friends or donate them to places in need.
- Take public transportation: By reducing the number of people driving, taking public transit conserves fuel and decreases air pollution.
Top activities for Earth Day
Whether you’re looking for Earth Day activities for kids or adults, everyone can get involved in these.
Plant a garden
Whether you plant flowers, a single tree or create a small edible garden, creating new plant life is a great way to celebrate nature and educate kids. Trees are essential to the Earth by cleaning the air, providing shade to wildlife and attracting birds. If you don’t have a lot of space, take advantage of pots and containers from thrift stores. Plus, you’ll get to see the fruits of your labor year after year.
Black Duck Brand Set of 50 Flower Seed Packets
This extensive seed collection contains over 15 flower varieties; marigold, primrose, daisy, sweet peas, calendula, zinnia and more. Watch your flower garden thrive and attract a variety of wildlife, including birds and bees that are essential for pollination.
Sereniseed Certified Organic Herb Seeds 10-Pack
Get started on a herb garden with this seed variety pack, containing basil, cilantro, oregano, thyme, parsley, lavender, chives, sage and dill seeds. They’re certified organic and free from genetically modified ingredients (non-GMO).
Open Seed Vault Non-GMO Heirloom Vegetable Seeds 32-Pack
You can grow healthy, non-GMO vegetables at home with this seed variety pack. It comes with 32 varieties including carrots, beans, broccoli, lettuce, peas, parsnips, cucumber, eggplant and more.
Build a birdhouse or bird feeder
Making a bird feeder is a fun Earth Day activity for families. However, be sure to use recycled material, such as scraps of wood, toilet paper tubes, pine cones or popsicle sticks. You can also look into birdhouse building kits. Birds benefit the environment by pollinating plants and spreading seeds. Plus, birds are likely to nest near their food source, so you might see baby birds soon afterward.
Toysmith Beetle & Bee Build A Bird Bungalow
This DIY birdhouse kit contains sustainable wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. It comes with wood pieces, a chain for hanging, nails, glue, a paintbrush and four paint pots.
Wagner’s Classic Blend Wild Bird Food
This seed mix consists of sunflower seed, millet, cracked corn, and milo to attract a wide variety of wild birds. It comes in 6-pound bags.
“Smithsonian Handbooks: Birds of North America” by Fred J. Alsop III
If you want to dive deeper into birdwatching and learn more about the varieties in your yard, this handbook will come in handy. It features vivid illustrations and details 706 species of birds native to North America. You’ll learn about bird habits, nest locations, flight patterns, conservation concerns and more, giving you a deeper appreciation and understanding of these creatures.
Start composting
Food waste in landfills emits methane as it breaks down, ultimately contributing to climate change. Composting has many benefits, including saving water, using recyclable resources, adding nutrients, balancing pH and much more. So grab a garden composter and start helping the environment.
Biomaster Compost-It Compost Accelerator/Starter
This compost starter contains 100% natural ingredients for creating nutrient-rich compost in four weeks. It’s suitable for yard, garden and kitchen waste. Formulated to reduce unpleasant odors, it’s the ideal choice for kitchen compost bins.
OXO Good Grips Easy-Clean Compost Bin
This kitchen compost bin effectively seals in odors and has an easy-to-clean interior. The lid is removable, making waste disposal less messy. It’s available in 0.75- and 1.75-gallon capacities. You can get it in neutral white or gray, and the sleek design won’t look unsightly on the counter.
VIVOSUN Outdoor Tumbling Composter
This outdoor composter has dual chambers, which separate fresh waste from composting materials to create an uninterrupted stream of compost. The rotating design keeps you from having to mix the piles by hand. It has a sturdy build, a solid aeration system and a 43-gallon capacity. You also get a pair of gardening gloves with the purchase.
Cleanup
Whether it’s your neighborhood, the local park or a community hiking trail, cleaning up is a quintessential Earth Day activity. It can create a sense of community to work alongside your neighbors and is an excellent opportunity to teach kids about the effects of littering. Be sure to wear gloves and recycle.
Custom Leathercraft Handyman Flex Grip Work Gloves
Keep your hands clean and protected with these flexible work gloves. They’re made of tough synthetic leather with reinforced fingertips. Three of the fingertips are touchscreen compatible, so you can use your phone while wearing them.
Superbio 13-Gallon Compostable Tall Kitchen Garbage Bag
For your nature cleanup, use these compostable, biodegradable trash bags. While the litter you pick up may be destined for the trash, these bags will eventually break down. They come in sets of 30 in sizes ranging from 1.6 to 13 gallons.
Nature scavenger hunt
Families will have a ton of fun going on a nature scavenger hunt. Find a hiking trail or place to walk and look for specific birds, new wildlife tracks or trees. You could also bring a dry-erase board or notebook to write down your findings.
U Brands Contempo Magnetic Dry-Erase Board
This magnetic dry-erase board measures 11 by 14 inches, compact enough to take on the go. It comes with a marker and a clip that keeps the marker attached to the board.
Paperage Recycled Lined Journal Notebook
This hardcover notebook is made of recycled paper, with a lay-flat design that makes it easier to write in. It contains 160 pages with an expandable inner pocket and sticker labels included. You can get this eco-friendly notebook with lined or dotted pages, and the cover comes in nine colors.
Earth Day crafts
If you have a baby or young children who aren’t quite ready to go on a long hike or build a birdhouse, there are Earth Day art activities to try. Some Earth Day art projects and crafts include creating a painting with old egg cartons, making slime or planting seeds in old tin cans.
4M Green Creativity Pressed Flower Art Kit
If your kid loves gathering flowers, they’ll appreciate this art kit. They can make cards, bookmarks and other crafts with it. The kit comes with a flower press, glue, a brush and double-sided tape.
“The Organic Artist for Kids” by Nick Neddo
This book will spark your child’s creativity while fostering a love of nature through eco-conscious crafting. The author challenges kids to create art supplies in a variety of fun projects, including making pens, inks, paints, stencils and even crafting paintbrushes from all-natural materials.
Eco-friendly products to try on Earth Day
Stasher Platinum Reusable Storage Bag
Replace your single-use plastic bags with these silicone reusable storage bags. In addition to helping the environment, they’re also dishwasher-, freezer-, oven- and microwave-safe.
Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
This eco-friendly mattress is naturally hypoallergenic, free of harmful chemicals and designed using natural latex, which is made from the sap of rubber trees.
Iron Flask Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Investing in a reusable water bottle reduces the plastic burden on landfills and is less likely to end up in the ocean. This stainless steel one is BPA free and nontoxic.
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
This clean brand’s products are cruelty-free and come in recyclable packaging. Plus, this skin tint uses plant-based squalane and has sun protection.
Vivaia Aria Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats
These elegant pointed-toe ballet flats are made of recycled plastic bottles and come in recycled packaging. They feature an herbal insole with heel rebound, plus arch and forefoot support for comfortable all-day wear. They’re antimicrobial, breathable and conveniently machine-washable. You can dress these stylish flats up or down. Plus, there are 37 colors and patterns to choose from.
Kicovitifa Reusable K-Cups 4-Pack
Switching to a reusable K-cup will not only reduce your carbon footprint but will also save you money. They’re made from high-grade stainless steel materials and are free of bisphenol A .
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaner Spray
You can use this natural all-purpose cleaner on countertops, tiles, hardwood floors and other surfaces. It’s a safe, eco-friendly formula made of essential oils and plant-based ingredients, with a pleasant and refreshing lemon verbena scent.
Biokleen Natural Laundry Detergent Liquid
When switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, you can’t forget laundry detergent. This eco-friendly laundry detergent is plant-based with a light citrus scent. The ultra-concentrated formula can tackle even the toughest stains. It works best with high-efficiency washing machines and lasts for up to 300 loads.
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