10 Tips to Make Every Day Earth Day

For 50 years, humans have been celebrating Earth Day as a global holiday. Every April, the earth is celebrated with clean ups,  habitat restoration projects and education to encourage awareness about the impacts that we humans are making on the planet. In truth, the Earth needs us humans to act consciously every day, all 365 days a year. Here are 10 Tips to make every day Earth Day.

1. Minimize the Amount of Waste You Create

We can successfully Dispose of Waste properly by minimizing the amount of waste we create to begin with. A great way to start is by conducting a personal waste audit- keep track of everything you throw away for one week. Observe what types of single use items you are buying and consuming, and seek alternative items you can use to reduce the amount of waste you produce. 

2. Compost

You can have a significantly positive impact on the earth by composting. In 2017, over 60 billion pounds of food waste went to the landfill that could have otherwise been composted. Due to a lack of oxygen in landfills, food there does not biodegrade- instead, it results in a process called anaerobic digestion which produces Methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than Carbon Dioxide. Seek out a way to compost in your area- this could be in your home, backyard, your neighbors yard, municipal or industrial compost. Check out worm composting- it is possible in areas where you don’t have access to a lot of outdoor space. 3. Spend Time Outside

Studies have shown that nature has a profound positive effect on our physical and mental health. Connecting with your local ecosystem helps to develop a stronger sense of place and land ethic. Cultivating a love of the natural world inspires stewardship- the perfect foundation to practice Leave No Trace.

4. Learn Something New About the Natural World

Learning about the natural world helps build stronger connections to the earth, and helps provide understanding into why humans need to take action to protect it. Watch an episode of Planet Earth, read an article in National Geographic, and check out the Leave No Trace Youtube Channel to learn how you can best minimize your impacts outside!5. Buy Locally

Minimizing the distance your food has to travel not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also supports local farms, incentivizing healthy soils and biodiversity where you live. Find local, healthy food near you!

6. Use Reusables

The most common and easy switch is a water bottle! In the US alone, 60 million plastic bottles are thrown away each day– and on average only 8.4% of plastic bottles are recycled annually. Just imagine how much less plastic would exist if everyone that has access to safe drinking water used a reusable water bottle.7. Diversify Your Commute

Normally drive to work? Try minimizing the amount of CO2 and other emissions you produce by carpooling with some neighbors or taking public transit, such as a bus or train. You can ride your bike, walk, skateboard- the possibilities are endless! Even just switching up your routine one day a week can make a difference. Calculate your footprint here!

8. Seek Stewardship Opportunities in Your Community

Pick up trash, get involved in a clean-up or habitat restoration project or organize one yourself! Seek out your local Leave No Trace State Advocate to learn how you can volunteer with Leave No Trace.9. Eat Consciously 

Be conscious of what you eat and how much you buy. Meats such as beef, lamb, and farmed fish have a much larger carbon footprint than other proteins such as beans, nuts and eggs. Consider what parts of your diet create the biggest impact on the planet, and try finding creative meals that help you minimize your impacts: If you eat meat every night, try eating it only every other night, or once a week. One of our favorites- Margherita pizza. 

10. Grow Your Own Food

Growing your own food can help you become more connected with the environment and your food, increase biodiversity in your area, and can help you become less dependent on food you get at the grocery store that likely took a lot more energy to get to you.Together, we can make every day Earth Day. Enjoy your world and Leave No Trace!

Check out these resources for more tips: 

46 Tips to Make A Difference Every Day of the Year

By the Subaru/Leave No Trace Teams. For over 20 years these teams have provided tangible solutions to serious issues facing our outside space and reach over 15 million people every year. Learn more about this important Leave No Trace work here.