Small Steps to Change the World
We know how important it is to take care of our planet, from forests to landfills to the climate and atmosphere. With Earth Day just around the corner, you might be thinking more about the environment as well, making this the perfect time to get motivated and start taking action. Not sure how you can help? Well, don’t worry about pitching in more than you can handle—even a single person’s efforts can add up to big results. Here are four small things to do on Earth Day that can make an impact and help keep the planet beautiful for generations to come.
1. Pick Up Litter
Not everyone gives green spaces the care they deserve. If your local park is looking a little neglected, you can be the one to clean it up! Grab trash bags, gloves, and hand sanitizer and head out to do a little spring cleaning. Be careful not to pick up any hazardous trash you might find, and make sure to stay safe if you’re working with a group.
2. Join the Community
Get connected with Earth Day events, whether they’re virtual or in-person. EARTHDAY.ORG has a tool for locating Earth Day events near you, and you can even register your own event so your neighbors can join you!
3. Commit to Change
Small adjustments to your lifestyle can mean large gains in fighting climate change, deforestation, and other ecological concerns. Here are a few examples of what you can do and how it will help:
- Instead of driving alone, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by walking, biking, or carpooling as much as possible.
- Switch from eating meat to a plant-based alternative for one meal a week or more. You might be surprised by how much land and water animal agriculture requires—plant-based meals use much less, and generate less greenhouse gases as well.
- Ditch the disposable dinnerware and drinkware, and choose reusable, refillable water bottles and eco-friendly materials—such as our Panda Preferred kids’ dinnerware sets! They’re made with a mixture of melamine and bamboo, combining durability with a fast-growing, renewable resource.
Remember, even small changes add up in the long run, so it’s important to make eco-conscious choices a part of your daily routine whenever you can.
4. Enjoy Nature
Celebrate Earth Day by taking some time to appreciate the earth! Visit a park, go on a hike, and admire a gorgeous view. Learn how to minimize your impact with the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. Make it a family trip and teach your kids to care for nature as well! Our planet is beautiful, and passing on these practices, along with a love of the outdoors, will help keep it that way far into the future.
These ideas for Earth Day don’t take much—anyone can work towards environmental change. The most important thing is to do what you can, when you can, and together, we can change the world.
