Earth Day 2024: 5 easy actions you can take to care for the planet

April 22 is Earth Day and for over 50 years people from all backgrounds and walks of life have been coming together to “encourage governments and the private sector to acknowledge and rectify their roles in the environmental crisis.” This year the theme of the annual global event to “advance sustainability and climate action” is ‘Planet vs. Plastics’.

Through this initiative, EARTHDAY.ORG wants to raise public awareness around plastic’s harm to human and biodiversity health as well as push for research transparency. The environmental organization is also calling for an end to single-use plastics by 2030 and that both these commitments be included in the United Nations Global Plastic Treat on Plastic Pollution.

Additionally, they want a collective commitment of a 60% reduction in total plastic production by 2040. “It’s an audacious goal, but one we think will help begin to heal the planet against the ravages of plastics,” said Kathleen Rogers, president of EARTHDAY.ORG.

Other initiatives under the banner of ‘Planet vs. Plastic’ are “advocating for policies aimed at combating the environmental impact of fast fashion.” This industry relies on synthetic materials like polyester and nylon which are made from plastics. As well, they want to push for investment in new technologies that will be able to create alternatives to oil and toxic chemical-based plastics.

5 easy actions you can take to care for the planet

First and foremost, you can sign the EDO Global Plastics Treaty petition to put pressure on the United Nations and Governmental Organizations to take decisive action on this issue. You can also join the Social Squad and get regular emails that will provide you with posts that you can share on social media to raise awareness and boost the reach of the environmental movement. Neither of which will you need to get out of your chair.

You can also learn how to reject fast fashion by building “a sustainable, affordable and fashionable closet.” Go on a #PlasticDetox by reducing your use of single-use plastics as well as shifting towards a plastic-free lifestyle.

Buff up on your knowledge of plastics to “understand the detrimental impacts to human and planetary health” while at the same time finding “sustainable alternatives to foster positive change.”

Become proactive in your community by exploring the State Climate Education Map to see how where you live is teaching awareness about the environment. And if it isn’t being taught, find out to whom you can petition and write in order to make a change.

Some other common Earth Day activities include participating in tree planting events to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and create new habitats for wildlife. Or cleaning up litter from parks, beaches, and other natural areas through community events.

Here you have more than five easy options to choose from, but nobody will knock you for being an overachiever. But above all, as Rogers says “whatever you do, don’t give up!”