Four Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

Research supports that nature has the power to nurture in so many ways. Spending time outdoors can relieve stress, improve brain functioning and memory, sharpen focus, reduce negative rumination, and enhance creativity. This Earth Day, step outside and enjoy the natural environment surrounding you. Here are a few additional ways to celebrate Earth Day every day:

Reduce household plastic use.

Use reusable metal or biodegradable straws.

Use reusable bags when purchasing fresh produce.

Bring your own reusable containers for taking home restaurant leftovers.

Always bring a reusable water bottle with you to avoid plastic bottles.

Join your community’s clean-up efforts of local lakes and rivers.

Reduce microplastics found in fleece and sports textiles; buy clothes made from natural fibers like wool and cotton.

Use your own cup when purchasing coffee or tea.

Inspire and talk to the younger generation about our planet.

Read a story together about anything Earth-related. Your local librarian can suggest an assortment of books to check out!

Seek out sensations. Take a mindful moment while outside to notice the sights, smells, sounds and feels around you.

Dig in the dirt. Fill a small bucket with dirt and add water. Form mud “meatballs” together! When you’re done, add seeds to the dirt and refill the hole. Check back in a week to witness your sprouts!

Observe and learn. Raise and release butterflies. Check out options like Insect Lore.

Celebrate nature by creating eco-friendly art.

Color leaf prints.

Press or dry flowers to preserve them.

Design a nature scene, mandala or face by gluing pebbles, grass clippings, leaves, sticks, petals and more onto cardboard from a package box.

Make a nature bracelet. On your next walk together, form masking tape around the wrist, sticky side out. Adhere nature treasures to the tape as you hike.

Choose one way to live more sustainably. Here are some small steps to help reduce your carbon footprint:

Live a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Compost food and yard waste.

Purchase secondhand.

Use non-toxic cleaners.

Recycle and reuse.

Use energy-efficient lightbulbs.

Reduce the use of your dryer.

Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient options, such as LEDs, CFLs or halogens.

Adjust your thermostat by seven to 10 degrees.

Use rechargeable batteries.

Unplug electronics and put your laptop and desktop in sleep mode when not in use.

Use cloths instead of paper towel.

Share or donate clothing.

Sources:

“The Power of Nature to Nurture,” Beth Czischke, motivatehealth.com, June 15, 2016.

“How to Help: Earth Month 2026,” nature.org, accessed March 10, 2026.

“Sustainable Living: 59 Tips for a More Sustainable Lifestyle,” cbs.de/en/blog, accessed March 10, 2026.