How to Celebrate Earth Day While Staying Home During COVID-19

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed most of our Spring plans such as attending native plant sales, educational workshops, tree plantings, and more, Earth Day is still right around the corner — April 22nd in fact. Earth Day 2020 is a special one; it marks the 50th Earth Day celebration and many people are using this milestone to reflect on how far the environmental stewardship movement has come and how far we still have to go.

Fifty years ago, there was no Environmental Protection Agency, no Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act were not yet officially signed into law. Rivers were burning, smog was suffocating our cities, and DDT was sprayed from airplanes across America. People were faced with the reality that while we only have one planet, the status quo will not allow us to continue to survive on it for long, thus, beginning an environmental revolution. Earth Day marks society’s unified response to our environmental crisis. Fast forward to 2020, and there is definitely, yet again, a need for environmental action.

While Earth Day will be different for most of us this year, there are still plenty of ways to get engaged and do something to benefit our planet. We worked hard to compile a list of activities that people can do to support and celebrate the 50th Earth Day from the comfort of their own home, yard, or garden. So, grab your hiking boots and gardening gloves, and get ready to take advantage of your extra time at home!

Things you can do at home to celebrate and support Earth Day:

1. Get outdoors Working from home is great, but staying inside all day can be monotonous. To help break up your day and boost your mood, breath in some fresh air by going for a hike, walk, or run during your lunch break or in the evening with the whole family.

2. Work in your garden Digging your hands in the soil is good for not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. Welcome the spring season by planting native plants, fruits, and vegetables. Visit NativePlantCenter.net to find the perfect native species for your space.

3. Start a compost pile Composting your food waste will reduce the amount of waste you send to a landfill, and once it fully decomposes, you’re left with incredibly rich fertilizer you can use in your garden. 

4. Plant a tree Native trees and shrubs help provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other critters. Planting trees can also be a great way to engage and educate the whole family.

5. Go on a walk Take a stroll around your neighborhood and take a trash bag and gloves with you so you can clean up debris along the road or sidewalk.