Let’s live like it’s Earth Day every day

Earth Day is a powerful reminder to protect our planet. But true change can only happen if we live sustainably every day. From rewilding and reducing waste to upskilling through training, every effort counts in the fight for a healthier, more resilient world. Jennifer Robson explores what Earth Day means for us and the planet.

Every year, on April 22nd, Earth gets its moment in the spotlight. Millions of people across the globe celebrate Earth Day - a day dedicated to advocating for the health and protection of our planet. Now in its 55th year, Earth Day continues to inspire action, with this year's theme Our Power, Our Planet™. This being a powerful reminder that real change starts with us.

But the planet can’t wait for once-a-year concern. Earth Day is more than a moment; it’s a movement. It’s a spark that we need to keep spark alive every day, through the choices we make and the actions we take. So, let’s see if we can live like it’s Earth Day every day.

Every day is Earth Day graphic, Behnam Norouzi, Unsplash (2023)

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day was founded in 1970 by the U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and student activist Denis Hayes. Both were deeply concerned by the growing environmental damage caused by pollution, deforestation, and unchecked industrial growth. Determined to spark change, they launched Earth Day as a national teach-in to raise public awareness and put environmental issues on the political agenda. Their efforts paid off, with over 20 million Americans taking to the streets to demand action for the planet.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated in more than 190 countries, making it the largest environmental movement in the world. People come together in schools, communities, and cities to take part in clean-up events, plant trees, host sustainability fairs, campaign for climate action, and educate others about protecting our planet.

Why do we have Earth Day?

Despite the recognised importance of environmental activism, we’re still facing some of the most urgent environmental crises of our time. From climate change to biodiversity loss, the planet is under pressure, and so are we.

So, why do we celebrate Earth Day? Because it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and confront the reality of what’s happening to our world. Below are just a few of the most critical issues we face today. If we don’t take a hard look and start making real changes, the situation will only grow more serious.

The climate crisis. The first UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report was published in the early 1990s. Their warnings are now being realised. We regularly see the impacts of climate change across the world. Heatwaves, floods, and wildfires around the world show that we are in serious trouble.

Biodiversity loss. Species are disappearing at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Losing biodiversity weakens ecosystems and makes our planet less resilient to challenges.

Deforestation: Every year, millions of acres of forest are lost to logging, agriculture, and urban sprawl. The loss of trees, which regulate the climate, destroys habitats and contributes significantly to climate change.

Pollution: From plastic waste clogging our oceans to air pollution poisoning our cities, the consequences of pollution affect both human health and wildlife. Cleaning up the environment and finding sustainable ways to live are crucial for survival.

So, why don’t we live everyday like it’s Earth Day

While Earth Day is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness, it’s not enough to focus on the planet once a year. Here are some ideas on how to act every day:

1.    Rewild your part of the world. It’s a powerful way to help nature heal, and it doesn’t have to mean vast forests or remote reserves. Take part in community rewilding projects, whether that’s restoring a wetland or reviving a neglected outdoor space. You can rewild your garden. Cut your grass and hedges less, plant native wildflowers, let dandelions flower and seed. You can even rewild yards and balconies with pots of native flowers to support bees, butterflies, and birds. See what’s happening in the North of England on community rewilding and how to give back to nature and wildlife.

2.    Save energy. By using less energy, we reduce our carbon footprint and save money. Swap incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, unplug devices when they’re not in use, and consider using smart thermostats to control your home’s temperature.

3.    Reduce your digital footprint. The digital world may feel intangible, but the infrastructure behind it, like servers and data centres, use huge amounts of energy. Lower your digital footprint by deleting unused files, unsubscribing from unnecessary emails, and reducing your streaming habits.

4.    Vote with your wallet! Support businesses that use eco-friendly materials and are transparent about their production processes. Look for certifications like organic, fair trade, or carbon-neutral labels.

5.    Avoid fast fashion. The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental footprint. Instead of constantly buying new clothes, consider thrifting, swapping clothes, and supporting eco-friendly brands.

6.    Reduce waste. Every time you say no to disposable waste, you’re sending a message. Invest in reusable bags, bottles, and containers, and get creative with how you reduce consumption.

7.    Save water. Water is life, but we’re wasting it. Shorten your showers, fix those leaks, and use water-efficient appliances.

8.    Go car-free when possible. Choose walking, biking, or public transportation when possible. If you need a car, consider carpooling, using car-sharing services, or switching to an electric vehicle.

9.    Speak out. Push for better policies at local and national levels. Demand that leaders take the climate crisis seriously. Vote like the planet depends on it – because it does.

10. Educate yourself. Equip yourself with the skills to tackle the climate crisis head-on. One great option are thecourses offered by Climate Action North, which cover topics like rewilding, renewable energy, and environmental awareness.

While Earth Day is a call to action,  we can’t afford to wait for just one day a year to act. Together, we can protect the world we love and build a sustainable future for all. Together, we can protect the world we love and build a sustainable future for all. So, let’s make Earth Day every day.

About the Author:

Jennifer is Content and Storytelling Director at Climate Action North, and a freelance copywriter with over 15 years of experience in crafting compelling narratives that engage and influence audiences. She specialises in climate communications, rewilding, and working with charities, corporates, and start-ups to amplify their unique stories. With a Masters in PR, Jennifer focuses on how communications can drive behaviour change. You can connect with her onLinkedIn.