Five ways to celebrate Earth Day

Wednesday April 22 marks 50 years of Earth Day, and the theme for 2020 is climate action. At the end of this year, nations around the globe are expected to increase their commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
 
And while the current Covid-19 pandemic means that many events – such as clean-ups or climate strikes – will not be going ahead, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day. Here are a few ideas from the Pure Planet Club team:

1 - Take the Earth Challenge 2020
The Earth Challenge makes it easy for everyone to monitor the environment and provides valuable data to scientists. Simply download the App from the Apple website or Google Play and use it to capture research quality environmental data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. You can record your observations and share them with the community, as well as accessing environmental lesson plans and guided activities.

2 - Start a veggie patch or herb garden
As well as being good for the environment, gardening has lots of health benefits. It’s a great way to get incidental exercise and helps with relaxation and reducing stress levels. Even a small balcony or windowsill can accommodate pots of herbs that are easy to grow such as rosemary, basil, chives, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme.

3- Calculate your carbon footprint
Determining the amount of CO2 you produce each day is the first step to fixing it. Visit the carbon footprint calculator to work yours out. To have the best chance of avoiding a 2℃ rise in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop under two tons by 2050.  While this won’t happen overnight, making small but meaningful changes such as eating less meat, buying local produce and line drying clothes, will add up to make a big difference.

4 - Participate in the Great Global Cleanup
While large gatherings may not be possible at this time, you can still do an individual clean-up. Depending on the restrictions in your area, take a stroll around your neighbourhood solo, with a close friend or your family members, and collect litter and either dispose of it carefully or recycle it. Visit the earthday.org website to register your clean-up and find out more.

5 - Submit your Act of Green
Create your own Act of Green and share what you did with fellow citizens of planet Earth on the Earth Day website. Help inspire others with your creative ideas!