6 Ways to be a Planet Hero on World Earth Day

Earth Day is soon approaching on April 22! It is time to come up with ways to honor and celebrate our planet, whether it is organizing an outdoor ramble, picking up litter, or using more environment-friendly products. Here are six ideas to get you started!

Celebrate the 52nd Earth Day

We at ThinkWithNiche believe that nature, plants, and the land are vital to our health and that each of us bears personal responsibility.

The 52nd anniversary of Earth Day will be celebrated in 2022, with the theme "Invest in Our Planet." The goal of this year's theme is to encourage governments, corporations, and private institutions to take concrete steps toward more sustainable practices, purchasing from ethical businesses, and playing a more active role in the planet's well-being.

Overall, the most important thing is to get outside and appreciate our remarkable planet!

History of Earth Day

Have you ever wondered how Earth Day got started? The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately invited Americans to participate in a grassroots protest. Dealing with dangerously serious issues such as toxic drinking water, air pollution, and pesticide effects, an impressive 20 million Americans—10% of the population—went outside and protested together.

President Richard Nixon led the country in establishing the Environmental Protection Agency, which was followed by successful legislation such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.

McConnell had originally chosen the spring equinox (March 20, 1970), but Nelson chose April 22 as the official celebration date. (Because the date of the spring equinox changes over time, using the astronomical event rather than a calendar date may have made things more complicated.)

Today, Earth Day is not only a day to raise awareness about environmental issues, but it is also a popular time for many communities to come together to clean up litter, plant trees, or simply reflect on the beauty of nature. We've provided a list of activities and projects that you can do to improve your local environment further down the page!

6 Earth Day Activities and Ideas

Celebrate Earth Day by respecting and appreciating the natural world. Here are a few ideas to inspire you this year.

1. Become a Waste Warrior

The number of garbage trucks filled by Americans each year would stretch all the way to the moon. Toilet paper tubes made of cardboard decompose in a landfill in two months. A plastic bottle lasts much longer—it can take up to 450 years to degrade! Instead of throwing these items away, you could turn them into a fantastic telescope or a flower planter. Consider whether something can be recycled or repurposed before disposing of it. You can also cut down on waste by purchasing fewer items. For example, before going to the store, check the library for that book you need to read.

2. Plant a Tree

Researchers estimate that roughly 15 billion trees are cut down globally each year; help offset that loss by planting your own tree. Trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen for humans to breathe. They also provide food and shelter to animals such as squirrels and owls. In hotter months, depending on where trees are planted, their shade can even reduce the need for air conditioning. How many more reasons do you need to make the switch to green?

3. Turn off the Lights

Does that lamp really need to be left on when the sun is still out? Electricity does not just happen; it must be generated from the things around us. It is frequently derived from fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, or natural gas), which contribute to climate change. However, electricity can also be generated using renewable resources such as wind, water, the sun, and even elephant dung! Regardless of where it's coming from, try conserving electrical energy by only using what you need.

4. Limit Your Water Usage

Although it may appear to be everywhere, clean, drinkable water is a limited resource. In fact, humans can use less than 1% of the water on the planet. (The rest is either too salty or inaccessible.) Turning off the water while brushing your teeth can save up to eight gallons of water per day. To save even more water, try taking a shorter shower (but still getting clean!).

5. Offer Your Time

Volunteer to pick up trash at a nearby park, start a collection drive for recyclable items, or organize a screening of an environmentally-themed movie with the permission of a parent. You're not only helping the environment by getting involved and working with others; you're also making new friends!

6. Spread the Message

Inform your friends and family about your plans and ask for their assistance. Need to get the conversation started? Take one of our Get Outside challenges to bring everyone together and reconnect with nature, or look for other green tips to share. The greater the number of people who participate, the better off our planet will be!

Be a Planet Hero!

• One reusable bag can prevent the use of 600 plastic bags over the course of its lifetime.
• Recycling just one soda can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.
• Turning off a computer when it's not in use saves 85 percent of the energy it consumes.
• Nearly one pound of pollution is kept out of the air for every mile walked instead of driven.

Becoming a planet hero isn’t that difficult! You just have to remember that your one small step can make a big difference! Start today!

If you have enjoyed reading this Blog, TWN recommends you to read our Blog on "The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World." Click on the Image Below!