Public transportation like buses, trains, or shuttles Carpooling with coworkers, friends, or schoolmates Consider investing in an electric or hybrid car in the future

Hike the nature trails at your local park Go bird watching Visit a nearby botanical garden Plan a beach day with your friends or family

Pick a tree species that’s native to where you live. If you’re unsure, ask an employee at your local nursery or garden department. Choose the best planting spot to meet the tree’s needs, dig a properly-sized hole, and water the tree well to give it a good start. Earth Day roughly coincides with U. S. Arbor Day, so see if your community is holding a tree-planting event and join up. If physically planting a tree is unrealistic for you, there are other options! Try donating to a reputable environmental non-profit that will plant trees on your behalf instead. [3] X Expert Source Carbonfund. orgCarbon Offset & Environmental Education Organization Expert Interview. 18 April 2022.

To attract Monarch butterflies, plant milkweed and brightly colored wildflowers. [6] X Trustworthy Source US National Park Service Agency responsible for the maintenance and promotion of national parks and monuments Go to source Bees are attracted to white, yellow, blue, and purple blooms. [7] X Trustworthy Source US Department of Agriculture U. S. agency responsible for promoting good agricultural practices and protecting consumers Go to source To attract hummingbirds, plant foxglove, honeysuckle, or lilies. [8] X Research source

Attract wildlife by providing a birdbath or small pond Leave sections of your yard unmowed to attract bees and butterflies Install feeders for bats, squirrels, hummingbirds, or other local critters

Some grocery stores have a section devoted to locally-grown foods.

For an easy way to raise awareness (on Earth Day and beyond), sign up for EarthDay. org’s Social Squad to receive a weekly social media post to share. For more information, visit https://action. earthday. org/social_squad_signup.

Demonstrations of environmentally-friendly products Stalls for recycling appliances and books Local organizations presenting educational information Local farmers setting up booths to sell fresh produce

You can also make simple homemade cleaning products. For example, a solution made of equal parts water and white vinegar effectively clean floors, bathrooms, cabinets, and counters. Look for manufacturers that have achieved Carbonfree® Product Certification. This means that their carbon footprint has been measured and neutralized. [16] X Expert Source Carbonfund. orgCarbon Offset & Environmental Education Organization Expert Interview. 18 April 2022.

Instead of tossing out an old T-shirt, use a sewing machine to turn it into a reusable shopping bag. Make upcycled planters with colanders, old tires, or milk jugs.

Join a group working to protect local wildlife from pollution Volunteer with the National Park Service: https://www. nps. gov/getinvolved/volunteer. htm Volunteer with the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service: https://www. fs. usda. gov/working-with-us/volunteers

Try your hand at growing tomatoes. For something low-maintenance, grow green beans. You can grow herbs in pots with minimal tending. Don’t have space for a garden? See if there’s a community garden in your area where you can volunteer.

Remember to turn the compost mixture every few days using a pitchfork. After several months of turning, the compost will break down into a rich, brown soil for your garden.

Limit shower time to avoid wasting water Turn off lights when you don’t need them Turn off your AC when you’re out Switch to energy efficient LED bulbs Consider purchasing a carbon offset for your home, vehicle, or air-travel[20] X Expert Source Carbonfund. orgCarbon Offset & Environmental Education Organization Expert Interview. 18 April 2022. Donate to an environmental non-profit