Earth Day takes place on April 22nd of each year as a way to recognize the importance of keeping our planet healthy. In 2020, Earth Day celebrated its 50th year as a holiday. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a bit overshadowed, and the anniversary didn’t get the attention it deserved.
This year, however, you can do your part to celebrate Earth Day no matter where you are. Whether you’re still socially distancing and looking for DIY projects to do at home or you want to get involved in your community (safely), there are plenty of ways to celebrate our planet.
Tackling a few green DIY projects this Earth Day will not only help the environment, but it’s a great way to boost your mood and maybe even create some things that add a bit of value to your life. Whether you’re DIYing by yourself, with family members, or with friends, let’s cover a few projects that can get you started.
Upgrade Your Home
It may feel like there aren’t many areas in life where you can have your cake and eat it too. But, you can do something good for the planet while making some home upgrades all at once. Whether you’re trying to add value to your home or just spruce it up to feel more like “you,” there are plenty of green initiatives you can take inside and outside.
If you want to focus on adding more curb appeal to your home while doing something beneficial to the planet, consider planting a couple of trees in your front yard that will eventually give off shade. Or, take care of your landscaping by planting native flowers, shrubs, and other types of greenery. Plants that are indigenous to your area require less water to grow and thrive.
When you take your upgrades inside, simple green DIY solutions can go a long way in making your home feel refreshed. Not sure where to get started? Consider some of the following “green” projects:
- Painting different rooms with eco-friendly paint
- Changing faucets to low-flow models
- Installing LED lighting
- Repurposing old furniture
As you can see, you don’t even necessarily have to be a DIYer to take on some earth-friendly projects in your home. However, if there are bigger projects that need to get done, it might be worth it to call a professional. You should never take on upgrades that involve electricity or plumbing. Additionally, if you live in an older home, you never know what could be behind your walls. If you’re worried about exposure to mold, asbestos, or other toxic materials, be sure to call a service.
Get Crafty
You should take it upon yourself to educate others about the importance of Earth Day. That’s especially true when it comes to your kids. They’re the next generation that will be tasked with creating a more sustainable tomorrow.
So, make Earth Day fun for yourself and your kids by getting crafty and putting together some DIY green projects that are as eco-friendly as they are adorable.
Teach your kids how to reuse and repurpose things, like poking holes in the lid of an old milk jug and using it as a watering can. Or, put together an activity that teaches them about growth and where their food comes from. Making “seed bombs” is a fantastic way to do that. Once they’re made, your kids can give them to someone else to plant, or plant them in your own yard. They will love watching their “bombs” grow into something beautiful, and it’s a great learning opportunity for everyone.
You don’t have to be great with crafts to make something simple, cute, and effective for your kids. They’ll love creating something new, and you can take advantage of the opportunity to teach them about the health of our planet and how they can help.
Take Care of the Planet and Yourself
Did you know that you can practice self-care while doing something good for the environment?
Far too many beauty products contain chemicals that can be damaging to the planet. Some of the most harmful ingredients commonly found in these products include:
- Exfoliating microbeads
- Silicones
- Synthetic fragrances
- Triclosan
Many cosmetic and skincare companies will use greenwashing to make their products seem more eco-friendly. Look out for words like organic or natural, and always read the fine print. Greenwashing is an unethical way to market products, but it’s not illegal. Just because something looks environmentally-friendly doesn’t mean it is.
Making your own products whenever possible allows you to completely control the ingredients. You can feel good knowing exactly what’s going on your body and how the ingredients you’re using won’t be damaging to the planet. Making your own skincare products is a wonderful DIY project you can do quickly. Use natural ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, and aloe to create quality skincare products you can use every day.
There are so many additional opportunities to DIY a project or two this Earth Day. Think outside the box, and get creative with your projects. The more you enjoy what you’re doing, the more likely you are to continue practicing sustainability in your everyday life, knowing the great things you’re doing for the planet and the future.