Earth Day is a worldwide event held annually on April 22. It first began in the US in 1970. Today, more than 193 countries celebrate Earth Day by hosting various events and activities in support of environmental conservation. People everywhere are inspired by this day to implement a greener lifestyle and to get outside. Find an Earth Day event in your area or do an activity or action from the list below!

Earth Day Activities

1. Wildflower Hike

Luckily, Earth Day was chosen to happen in the Spring, meaning warmer weather and blooming wildflowers! Take advantage of this by hiking a flower-ridden trail and gawking at the beauty of Mother Nature!

2. Waterfall Hike

Winter runoff and Spring showers are perfect for viewing waterfalls. Use the AllTrails app to find the nearest falls and don’t forget your hiking boots!

3. Camping or Backpacking

Warmer weather means more opportunities for a fun camping or backpacking experience. Earth Day is the perfect excuse to have a weekend getaway in your tent!

4. National Park Visit

Earth Day just so happens to fall within National Park Week! Visit any one of the national parks for free entry, ranger-led programs, and events!

5. Kayaking or Canoeing

The water may still be on the chilly side, but that’s no reason not to do a boating trip! Bring a kayak or canoe to the nearest lake and enjoy the scenery as you paddle around.

6. Mountain Biking

Do you have a need for speed or simply like to cover more ground? Give mountain biking a try! Check with your local bike shop to see about rentals if you don’t have access to one.

7. Rock climbing

Work your entire body this Earth Day by going rock climbing on a tour or with friends. Just don’t expect much use from your arms at all over the weekend.

8. Caving

Slightly harder to take advantage of, is the opportunity to go caving. Google cave sites around your area — you may even discover an ice cave — and always check the websites for any safety notices!

9. Hot Springs Soak

Another Google search you might want to consider — nearby hot springs! With most Spring temperatures being not too cold and not too hot, soaking in a hot spring is the perfect activity for relaxation.

10. Picnicking

Even if you’re city-bound you can pack a picnic and head to the closest park! Bring along the wine and cheers to Mother Nature for providing it.

11. Zoo or Aquarium Visit

Another great activity for those who may be city-bound is visiting your local zoo or aquarium! Stroll by the exhibits and ponder how you can aid in the conservation of wildlife.

12. Airbnb Cabin Rental

If you’re late on planning your Earth Day weekend, consider instant-booking an adorable cabin in the woods! Sign up for Airbnb here and get $40 off your first stay!

Earth Day Actions

1. Use Less Water

Limit your water usage by skipping the shower today. Turning the water off while brushing your teeth or between washing dishes is also beneficial.

2. Plant Gardens for Bees & Butterflies

Help the struggling bee population by planting flowers they frequent such as foxglove, hyacinth, or wild lilac. Keep butterflies in mind, too, while you plant!

3. Put up Bird feeders, baths, & houses

The bird feeders, baths, and houses you put around your yard won’t only be beneficial to the birds. Attracting these creatures will likely mean a decrease in mosquitoes and other pesky insects!

4. Learn to compost

Composting can be incredibly useful for gardens and allows your plants to thrive while keeping them healthy! You can also use it in flower pots, as mulch, to feed your lawn, and more!

5. Switch to Fluorescents

Save money and energy by replacing incandescent lightbulbs around your home with compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs may be a bit more expensive upfront, but they tend to last a lot longer. Plus, they’ll decrease your electric bill over time!

6. Go paperless

There are many ways to go paperless these days. Signing up for e-statements, paying bills online, using an electronic device to take notes, digitalizing your signature, bringing canvas bags to the grocery store, and being mindful of your toilet paper/paper towel use are all great ways of cutting down on your paper consumption.

7. Start a recycle bin at home or at work

Buy a large bin or garbage can for your home and designate it solely to recyclables. You can also put one at your job, assuming you have a break room or meeting space and supportive coworkers.

8. Get groceries from Farmer’s markets

Local farms work insanely hard to provide their communities with fresh food. Stop by a farmer’s market this weekend, canvas bag or basket in hand, and stock up on delicious treats and produce! The market is much more likely to be using less energy and waste than a super center.

9. Pack a stainless steel straw

Think about how often you buy fountain drinks from fast food restaurants or coffees from Starbucks. Now think about all the countless plastic straws you’ve used for about 5 minutes before chucking into a landfill. Feel better about your waste by buying a stainless steel straw and having it handy in your purse or your car at all times! Buy these on Amazon here.

10. Buy a S’well Bottle

Treat yourself to an Earth Day gift by buying a reusable S’well bottle. This company is not only eco-conscience but they also give to charities! Plus the bottles keep your cold drinks cold for 24 hours and your hot drinks hot for 12! Buy a bottle from the Wood Collection and the company plants a tree with American Forests!

11. Do a beach, highway, or trail cleanup

Have a favorite beach, section of road, or hiking trail? Go visit it on Earth Day and bring along at least 1 large garbage bag for picking up any trash you find!

12. Carpool or Bike to work

A great way to cut back on fuel is by carpooling or riding a bicycle. Ask a coworker for a ride to your job or invite your friends to join you in biking to work!

How do you plan on celebrating Earth Day?

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