April 22nd is the day people around the world will celebrate Earth Day, an annual recognition day to bring awareness to protecting the Earth and all that lives on it. More than 1 billion people in 192 countries will take part in what’s believed to be the largest civic-focused day of action around the world.
This year’s Earth Day theme is Protect Our Species, part of the campaign to advance and protect laws, policies, regulations and international cooperation agreements for species protection. Some experts believe the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction since we lost the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago. According to earthday.org, 40 percent of the world’s bird species are in decline and beekeepers report annual hive losses of 30 percent or higher — and the list goes on.
As the world celebrates our Mother Earth this year, here are 10 things you can do at home:
- Plant something — plant a tree or some flowers, or start your own garden.
- Ride your bike — ride to work, or just around your neighborhood.
- Buy a refillable water bottle — and keep using it.
- Stop using plastic straws. If you must have a straw, buy your own silicone or stainless steel one.
- Shop at a local farmers’ market.
- Remember your reusable bags at the grocery store.
- Volunteer at an organization that makes the world a better place.
- Switch from getting paper bills to e-bills.
- Make your yard an oasis for birds by putting out bird feeders, a birdbath and birdhouses.
- “Adopt” an animal. Call a zoo or a rescue organization and find out how you can help pay for the care of an animal.
