How to Give Back to Nature in Celebration of Earth Day

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 by 22 million Americans. Nearly 50 years later, more than a billion people across the world celebrate Earth Day to support environmental protection. Founded to engender environmental consciousness, Earth Day’s annual celebration resonates with our mission at Firelight Camps to deepen campers’ appreciation for Nature. We strive to create an outdoor experience that awakens campers’ connection to Nature and its many gifts. We believe that being immersed in Nature can instill and fortify a commitment to protecting the wild.

In celebration of Earth Day and the tireless year round work needed to propel the environmental movement, we’ve rounded up 8 ways you can give back to Nature on April 22nd, and all year long!

Calculate Your Plastic Consumption

Earth Day’s focus in 2018 was to end plastic pollution and although human behaviors are changing to align with this mission, the work continues. We recommend using Earth Day Network’s plastic calculator to help you assess your personal plastic consumption.

Reduce Your Plastic Consumption

Once you’ve reviewed the plastic products you consume daily and yearly, set a yearly reduction reduction goal for each product. To accomplish your reduction goals, find alternative products like reusable straws instead of plastic straws.

Plant A Tree

Or donate to plant a tree! Given the countless benefits of a single tree, like filtering the air, the Earth Day Network set a goal of planting 7.8 billion trees for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in 2020 - that’s one tree for every person on earth.

Carpool

Conserve gas by carpooling, walking, riding a bike or even using public transportation. For every mile you don’t drive, your carbon footprint is reduced by one pound - and for every gallon of gas saved, your carbon footprint is reduced by 20 pounds! Bonus, you’ll get some quality time with your family, friends and co-workers when you commute together.

Donate Clothes & Home Goods

Spring is the perfect time to purge your closet and home of items that you no longer need or use. As you review each item, à la Marie Kondo, ask yourself if it sparks joy. Collect all items you’re ready to part with and donate to a local shelter or thrift store.

Join A Local Clean Up

Cleaning our communities is imperative to mitigate the growing pollution problem. The Earth Day Network coordinates volunteer clean ups across the country on Earth Day, so check out your city to join!

Advocate

Local and global policy change are needed to overcome our environmental challenges. If your city or state doesn’t have bans on single-use plastics, send a letter or call your local elected officials urging them to ban plastic bags and other harmful single-use plastics.

Get Outside

Protecting and nurturing the natural world enables us and future generations to experience its raw beauty and many gifts. On Earth Day especially, we need to relish the wild, to frolic and play in it, to explore and roam. Whether you go for a hike, practice yoga outside, or tend to your garden, spending time outside is an exercise in gratitude for Mother Nature.

Emily LeedyApril 18, 2019