Earth, it’s our home. And we—all 7.6 billion of us—share in the responsibility of keeping that home clean and in order. It may sound like an overwhelming challenge, but it becomes easier when everyone does their part. Earth Day is the perfect time to reassess the resources we use and to find new ways to appreciate our planet. Luckily, there are lots of small steps you, your family, and your community can take to celebrate Earth Day every day.

How to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day

Daily Practices

Often times, it’s the small things we do every day that add up to big, positive changes for the world. These can include:

• Recycling
• Turning off lights
• Unplugging electronics
• Carpooling, walking, or riding a bike when possible
• Carrying a garbage picker and bucket on walks to collect litter
• Using reusable water bottles/coffee cups/shopping bags

Re-Use

Using eco-swap services is also a great way to prevent old but usable items from going to the junkyard. Lots of services are popping up around the country that are connecting people looking to get rid of things with people who need those same things. It’s a simple, sensical way to be less wasteful and to connect with others in your community. Plus, a lot of the items are free and you just have to handle the transportation.

Getting Kids Involved with Earth Day

Start Early!

It’s easy to get kids involved with and excited about environmental awareness at an early age. There are plenty of fun activities out there that can inspire their imaginations and make them more conscious of their impact on the world.

Try starting with a recycling project, like these DIY bottle planters. Bird feeders, doll houses, and homemade Rube Goldberg machines are other creative ways for kids to reuse things they might normally throw away, like an empty toilet paper roll, a milk carton, or a tin can.

Awareness and Knowledge

Awareness is an essential part of Earth Day. Look to see if there is a conference in your area like this annual one in Madison, WI. This type of event is a great way to meet other people who are passionate about the environment, and to start making a difference.

Whether you do something big or small, be sure to do your part on April 22 to show some love for the place we all call home!