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

1. SUPPORT OUR POLLINATORS!

Bring native bees and other pollinating creatures to your garden. One way to do this is by selecting the right plants.

2. CLEAN UP PLASTIC IN YOUR LOCAL AREA OR PARK

One of the best ways to connect with the Earth is through cleanups! Go on a walk with a rubbish bag and help to clean up any plastic that you find. Perhaps you know of a nearby park that is polluted with rubbish that needs a spring cleaning! You’ll start to realise that plastic permeates every aspect of our lives.

3. PLANT A TREE!

They capture carbon, cool overheated places, benefit agriculture, support pollinators, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and boost local economies. Did you know that planting one oak tree brings in more insect and bird species than an entire yard of plants?

Wildflowers and indigenous species are not only beautiful but also attract native and beneficial insects that improve both pest control and pollination—meaning bigger flowers and bigger harvests. Try to simply add a couple of native plants to your garden each year, and you’ll be amazed at the difference—they’ll bring in pollinators as well as birds!

Caring about yourself and nature means being less wasteful and saving money, too. Buy in bulk when you know that you’ll need a lot of topsoil, mulch, compost, or other materials. This cuts down on plastic bags. Reuse, recycle, or return old plastic pots and trays.

Yes, your households appliances are wasting energy even when they're not turned on! Instead of leaving things like your coffee makers, toasters, and even your lamps plugged in indefinitely, make the small effort to unplug when you're not using them.

About 90% of the energy your washing machine uses goes towards heating the water. To save energy, wash your laundry on the cold water setting for at least one load a week. Plus, cold water may even be better for your clothes — it can remove many stains from clothing, while hot water tends to shrink, fade, or wrinkle certain fabrics.

When it comes to your household products, shopping eco-friendly goes a long way. Instead of single-use, disposable items, look for "green" products that are reusable, sustainably sourced, or made of recycled materials.

If you're idling in your car for more than 2 minutes, turn off your engine. That way, your car is only releasing emissions while your driving.

You can still fulfil your caramel Frappuccino cravings every once and while — without throwing a way a plastic cup afterwards. Bring your reusable coffee mug to your regular coffee shop and ask them to put the coffee in there.

11. COLLECT RAINWATER

Invest in a rainwater collection system. There's so much you can use this non-drinking water for — like cleaning or watering plants.

12. FIX YOUR LEAKY TAPS

Those tiny drops of water add up big time when it comes to your water bill. Tighten up a drippy tap/shower to cut down on the water you didn't even realise you were consuming.

13. TAKE THE STAIRS INSTEAD OF THE LIFT

Taking the stairs cuts down on the energy use required to power lifts. Plus, it's a great workout!

14. UNSUBSCRIBE FROM JUNK MAIL 

Everyone still has that mail they get that makes them think "How did I end up on this list?" It's time to save some trees and get your name off that mailing list once and for all. Opting out of the printed phone directory is also worth looking into.

15. UNPLUG AT NIGHT

Similar to all your kitchen and household appliances, it helps to get into the practice of powering down your electronics overnight (they need to sleep too!). It's worth noting that your devices are wasting energy even when they're not turned on. The best way to maximize your energy efficiency is to totally unplug and shutdown.

16. SHOP AT A FARMERS MARKET

If you can't grow it yourself, at least shop locally. Buying produce farmed near your home usually gives you access to better quality food than you find at a supermarket. 

17. SWITCH TO REUSABLE BAGS

Those plastic bags we get from nearly every shopping experience can't be recycled. Make all of your shopping outings BYOB (bring your own bag) and reduce the need for plastic.

18. GO MEATLESS

Not only will giving up meat for a meal open you up to other food options, it's better for the planet. The U.N. reports that the meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It's also estimated that over 1,800 gallons of water are used to produce just a single pound of beef.

19. COMPOST FOOD WASTE

Setting aside food waste and other organic trash and letting it decompose is recycling in its natural form. This type of garbage doesn't decompose properly at landfills because it doesn't get enough air and ends up creating methane gas in the process.

20 REPURPOSE JARS/CONTAINERS

Empty jars and other food containers don't need to be tossed away. Jars can become drinking glasses or even small serving bowls. Larger containers can be used to store other items like loose change or things that might just be sitting in your junk drawer.

21. SHOP SECOND HAND

It's new to you! Buying used items, whether it's clothes or equipment, can reduce waste (packaging materials) and your spending. What's not to like?

22. GO FOR A WALK 

The simplest way to celebrate the Earth is to explore it. Find your nearest park or hiking trail and just walk. Keep your phone away for a bit and just enjoy your surroundings.

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
-George Bernard Shaw