Joanna Marie O. Santos
April 20, 2022

Today is the most critical day for a call to action. We highly encourage everyone to take part now more than ever. Our planet is already deteriorating and obviously direly needs help. If we cannot save it NOW, there might be no tomorrow.

According to EARTHDAY.ORG, the global organizer of Earth Day, the theme for Earth Day 2022 will be "Invest in Our Planet." Earth Day 2022 will focus on accelerating solutions to combat our greatest threat, climate change, and activating everyone—governments, citizens, and businesses—to do their part.

Further, according to the organization, everyone is accountable, as individual actions have a huge ripple effect on our environment. So, if you think you can’t do anything, you are definitely wrong! Small things do matter. There are simple Earth Day activities you can start doing now to help save our earth.

  1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Image Source: Antoni Shkraba – Pexels

Perhaps the famous 3 R’s is the easiest thing anyone can do. Reduce the amount of waste you generate. Reuse things over and over until it’s possible. And recycle possibilities. This way, we can conserve natural resources and landfill space.

  2. Bike more. Drive less.

Vehicles already congest our streets and worsen air pollution day by day. Get your 2-wheeled friend and drive your way out! Unconsciously, you are hitting two birds with one stone by helping reduce pollution and becoming healthy as you exercise through biking.

 3. Conserve water.

Image Source: Baloon111 - iStockPhoto

The less water you consume, the less runoff and wastewater end up in the ocean. Whether you’re taking a bath, washing your face or the dishes, or brushing your teeth, know when to turn off the tap. You can also use a pail, dipper, and glass to use only the right amount of water wasting no drop.

  4. Support environment-friendly businesses.

There are brands in the market today that are in full commitment to protecting the environment. Support them. By patronizing them, you are indirectly supporting environmental movements. You can say that every penny you spent was worth it.

  5. Use a reusable bag.

Image Source: Fast Web

Use a reusable bag, whether shopping for food, clothes, or books. This reduces litter and keeps animals from getting a hold of them. You can opt to use paper bags or eco-bags to help reduce plastic usage. Moreso, this encourages other businesses to shift to a cheaper yet more sustainable and environment-friendly packaging.

  6. Take the #TrashTag Challenge with your barkada

Image Source: Bryan Roman Facebook

The #TrashTag challenge, which was pioneered by Byron Roman, is an initiative to clean up waste and trash on beaches, roadsides, and parks, among other places. After cleaning, you can post before and after photos to encourage others to clean up their nearby green spaces as well.

Cleaning can become a fun activity when you do it with your entire squad. Doing this activity may inspire other people, especially the youths, to do the same. So, tag others and let them do this challenge!

  7. Save Electricity.

Image Source: Artem Podrez - Pexels

Use energy-saving light bulbs instead of standard bulbs. They will last longer, saving you money.

Make sure you switch off lights, TVs, and other appliances while not in use.

Reduce the temperature of your air conditioner or heater when it is not essential. This is especially true in the transitional seasons. In the early fall, consider opening your windows or layering your clothing.

  8. Go plant-based.

Image Source: Povozniuk – iStockPhoto

Reduce the quantity of meat, fish, and dairy you consume daily. This will help minimize greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage. According to an Independent article, embracing a plant-based diet might cut your "carbon impact on food by up to 73 percent!"

  9. Be a mindful customer.

Image Source: Anna Shvets - Pexels

Before selecting a purchase and adding it to your shopping cart, consider the impact it will have on people and the environment. You may be cautious by first ensuring that you only buy what you require. It conserves resources and eliminates waste.

  10. Volunteer.

Image Source: Anna Shvets

One of the best things you can do for the environment is to give your time. Time for volunteerism and time to do initiatives that can inspire others to join. A single person can not solve environmental problems. It takes collective and collaborative efforts. Volunteer and do something that will make you proud of yourself!

We have to keep in mind that International Earth Day isn’t a one-day affair. We need to take care of our home planet every day of the year. Starting today, make every day an environment day! Encourage others to take part, too.

  Sources: Earthday.org, National Ocean Service – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Forbes, Fast Web, Earth Eclipse