The theme for Earth Day 2022 is Invest in Our Planet. Businesses, governments, and citizens must be ALL IN to take action. It is said that young people will be the most impacted by the effects of climate change. They are also valuable contributors to climate action because they are agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators. Whether through education, science or technology, young people are scaling up their efforts and using their skills to accelerate climate action.
Young people far and wide are tapping into their skills to speak up for climate action. There are many organizations that have realized the value and impact of young voices including UNICEF which has created Youth for Climate Action and United Nations (UN) with Youth in Action.
The Earth is what we all have in common. – Wendall Berry, novelist.
Here are ideas on how you can take action on Earth Day and every day!
- Check out StoryMaps from all over the world about the planet and its champions and share your favorites.
- Get involved with your local environmental organizations or volunteer with Earthday.org.
- Watch “Earthrise” by Amanda Gorman.
- Join a bird count and help with scientific research in your neighborhood. Learn about the Audubon bird count projects.
- Purchase a state parks, or national parks, pass for your family to incentivize visiting conserved spaces year-round. Read more https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/earth-day.htm
- Make your next meal plant based. Our food system accounts for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, making animal agriculture one of the largest contributors to climate change. Learn more on the Fact Sheet: Food Systems and Climate Change.
- Trade-in your plastic wear for reusable gear. Learn more on Fact Sheet: How Much Disposable Plastic We Use.
- Support local agriculture and buy produce from a local farmer.
- Plant a container garden or herb garden, a tree, or sign up to volunteer at a community garden near you. Learn about the Trillion Tree Campaign https://www.trilliontreecampaign.org/.
- Educate yourself on the history and current events of the Native lands you live and recreate on. Learn more here https://toolkit.climate.gov/topics/tribal-nations.
- On this 51st anniversary of Earth Day, donate $51, or any amount, to an environmental non-profit. OR Set a goal to travel 51 miles by your own human power before the summer solstice, June 20th. Running, walking, swimming, kayaking, biking—whatever activity you prefer, get outside and experience the joy found in moving your body.
- Make a call to action like “Pick up 20 pieces of litter challenge” and share on social media. #InvestInOurPlanet. Or share an educational video like this one.
Comment below other ideas or suggestions of how others can make positive impacts to improve the Earth.
