Earth Day is April 22!!! While the extravagant celebration and activism may be limited to just this one day, every day really is a day to celebrate this planet we call home!
Looking for ways to harness your inner environmental activist? Try this Earth Day bingo I created! For some examples of how to get a bingo (or blackout), continue reading down below!
Happy Earth Day y’all!
Ideas for how to get a bingo (or blackout)
Make a plant pot with a recyclable bottle or container
I’ve shared this craft idea once before in my newsletter, but I’ll share it again here! You can literally turn almost any recyclable container into a plant pot! I’ve used water bottles, maple syrup containers, juice bottles, and others in the past. While any paper-based recyclable (like a milk carton) could work, you generally want a plastic or metal material since it won’t absorb water.
You can paint the container, leave it the way it is, or if you’re using a clear material, keep it see through so that you can see the roots of your plant as it grows! It’s really up to you, get creative with it!
Cut down on paper waste
This includes using a sheet of paper to its fullest. That’s right, front, back, and any little area that can fit something. If you need a strong material, consider reusing cardboard. Use newspapers to soak up liquids. Just some ideas. Make sure to recycle any paper when you’re done with it!
Go on a hike!
Hiking in the great outdoors is a fantastic way to learn more about and gain a deeper appreciation for nature! Research hikes near you!
In Los Angeles, I highly recommend Eaton Canyon in Pasadena (though it can be very busy at times) and Millard Canyon in Altadena! While hiking, document what you see! Submit photos to a community science platform like Seek, iNaturalist, or eBird. If you see or produce any trash during your hike, pick it up and pack it out. Dispose of it properly after your hike!
Choose sustainable food and products (such as coffee and seafood)
Unsustainable fishing and farming is putting great stresses on wildlife populations and the rest of the environment. Luckily, there are solutions! Support people working hard to provide eco-friendly solutions to unsustainable practices by choosing products that have been certified by the following organizations and others:
- While organic food isn’t necessarily synonymous with sustainable food due to variations in farming practices, foods that are organic or sustainable in other ways are certainly beneficial to the environment. Sustainably-sourced produce and grains work to revitalize soil health and the health of the environment as a whole. It has been argued that a sustainable diet combines both organic and conventionally grown foods. Read more here!
- Perhaps you’re familiar with the little green frog, the symbol of the Rainforest Alliance. This certification ensures that the product is produced with sustainability in mind, as well as the livelihoods of the people producing the product. Find this seal on products like chocolate, coffee, bananas, and paper towels.
- The Marine Stewardship Council works to support fisheries helping to protect marine life populations and habitat while securing the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Looking to make your diet even more sustainable? Consider eating plant-based meals a few times a week. Plant-based diets can have drastically lower carbon footprints than more meat-heavy diets.
Plant a native plant garden
You can check out my blog posts for some tips here!
Contribute to community science
Community science provides crucial information to scientists about species diversity, population influx (migration), conservation, etc. The best part is, you don’t have to be a trained scientist to contribute! Engaging in community science is a great way to learn about local species and gain a greater appreciation for nature and urban environments!
Submit photos and recordings to a community science platform like Seek, iNaturalist, or eBird.
Spread awareness about environmental conservation
This could be a presentation given to friends and family, a social media post, chalk art done on sidewalks (with permission), you name it! Spread awareness about this fascinating and fragile environment!
Learn about the wildlife in your neighborhood
Find out who also calls your neighborhood/city home! This can be through community science platforms, books, online research, etc. For those residing in L.A., I highly recommend the book Wild L.A. by Natural History Museum staff and Birds of Southern California by Kimball Garrett, Jon Dunn, and Brian Small!
