How to invest in Our Planet this Earth Day

Invest in our future

For the second year in a row, the theme of Earth Day 2023 is to invest in our planet. This is because our collective effort can help to build a brighter future. Together we have the potential to solve the world’s biggest problems. We can do this by redirecting our attention, energy, and resources to protecting our future and building a world that allows us and those around us to live in a safe, healthy environment.

On Earth Day I will...

Below are just a few pledges you can take to make it Earth Day every day:

1. Push for climate literacy

Climate literacy is an awareness of the potential climate change impacts of everyday activities, like travelling, shopping, and much more. Consider how we could adapt our actions and reduce our overall impact.

2. Grow trees

Trees are a valuable resource in combatting climate change as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, cleaning our air. The more trees we can plant, the greater the positive impact. The Woodland Trust has some great information on the benefits of tree planting and how you can get involved.

3. Support sustainable fashion

The clothes we wear can also have an impact. The best way to keep the environmental impact to a minimum is to get as much wear out of them as possible. If you have clothes you no longer need, see if they could be listed on an online reuse platform, donated to charity or even upcycled into something new.

4. Help end plastic pollution

Plastic can cause pollution as it takes a long time to break down in the natural environment.

The best way to reduce this impact is to avoid plastic altogether. You could try; using a reusable water bottle or getting into the habit of carrying a reusable shopping bag and avoiding pre-packaged produce in the supermarket.

5. Clean up my surroundings of litter

Litter isn’t pleasant and can have impacts on wildlife. One way to combat this could be to take part in a local litter pick. Get involved on the Keep Britain Tidy website.

6. Travel greener

The way we travel often has an environmental impact, to keep this to a minimum public transport is a great option. You’ll be able to take in your surroundings and not have to be stuck behind the wheel.

One better would be to take a stroll or hop on a bike. This emission-free way of travelling can also help to get us active and has health and wellbeing benefits.

By minimising journeys made by car, we can reduce air pollution and make the air we breathe cleaner.

7. Incorporate more plant-based foods into my diet

The foods we eat have a carbon footprint. Making just a few plant-based swaps can help to reduce this. A meat-free Monday could be a great way to get started. This link has some great inspiration with over 100 recipes to try.

A day just isn’t enough…

This year, as well as Earth Day, Earth Week, is taking place with a jam-packed schedule of events covering many different topics.

Beyond Earth Day and Earth Week, try and adopt sustainable behaviours and make them habits that stick in our day-to-day lives. If you’d like some more inspiration the Earth Day website has 52 ideas.

Happy Earth Day!