Every April 22nd, the whole world comes together to celebrate Earth Day, a date that was born in 1970 in the United States as an environmental demonstration that sought to raise our voices against pollution, loss of biodiversity and the effects of excessive industrial development. Since then, this day has become a global call to reflect on how we treat our planet… and above all, how we can change.
Why is Earth Day celebrated?
Because Earth is our only home. Everything we need to live – clean air, water, food, natural resources – comes from this planet. Yet for decades we have abused its riches without thinking about the consequences: global warming, melting of the poles, extreme droughts, forest fires, loss of species, water and air pollution…
Earth Day was born as a cry of alarm, but also as an opportunity: the chance to do things differently. It is a date to educate, inspire and act. And although it is only one day on the calendar, its message should live in us every day of the year.
What can we do for the Earth?
The good news is that we can all contribute. You don’t need to be a scientist, nor a professional activist. All it takes is will, awareness and small changes in our routine that, when multiplied by millions of people, make a huge difference. Here are some actions you can take:
Small daily decisions can have a big impact. Here are some very concrete actions you can start taking today:
1. Say no to plastic bags and bottles
You take your grocery bag with you every time you shop, right? If you don’t, start today! Avoid those plastic bags that you only use for 10 minutes. Always carry a reusable cloth bag in your backpack or cart.
And when you get thirsty, instead of buying another water bottle, invest in a reusable stainless steel or glass bottle. With that, you could avoid throwing away up to 300 bottles a year.
2. Change your everyday products
Many of the products we use every day have more environmentally friendly alternatives. Here are some examples:
- Swap paper towels for washable cloth cloths.
- Instead of disposable rakes, opt for a metal rake with replaceable blades.
- Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush.
- Use shampoo sticks instead of plastic bottles.
These choices not only help the planet, they also save money in the long run!
3. Reduce delivery and cook more at home
Did you know that every food delivery order generates lots of plastic and unicell packaging? Try to reduce your orders and cook at home using fresh ingredients. Bring your own containers if you buy take-out food. Also, you can make your own natural waters and avoid drinks in disposable bottles or cans.
4. Buy fewer clothes and give new life to the ones you already own
The fast fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries on the planet. Instead of buying new clothes every month, look for:
- Second-hand or vintage clothes.
- Swaps with friends.
- Brands that work with recycled materials or sustainable processes.
And when a garment breaks, before throwing it away, try to repair or transform it. There are thousands of online tutorials to do so.
5. Check what you eat
Reducing meat consumption -even if it’s just a couple of days a week- has a huge positive impact on the planet. Livestock farming generates polluting gases and uses large amounts of water.
You don’t have to go vegan, but you can:
- Go for meatless Mondays.
- Eat more legumes, vegetables and grains.
- Buy in local markets instead of supermarkets with imported products that have crossed half the world.
6. Cancel what you don’t use… literally
Do you have paper subscriptions that you don’t read? Do you receive unnecessary tickets or physical receipts? Always ask for your digital receipt.
You can even stop printing movie tickets, concert tickets or boarding passes: your cell phone already does it all.
Less paper, less trees cut down!
7. Organize or join community cleanups
There’s no better way to feel part of the change than to take action with your own hands. Participate in a beach, river or park cleanup day. Or better yet, organize one with your neighbors or co-workers.
Seeing the trash we throw away and picking it up yourself changes your perspective forever.
These changes are not extreme or impossible. They are real adjustments you can make today. You may think your contribution is small, but imagine if each of us did the same… the impact would be gigantic.
Taking care of the Earth is taking care of ourselves
It’s not just about “saving the polar bears” or protecting a distant forest. It is about protecting our air, our health, our future and that of our children. The effects of climate change are not something that will happen a hundred years from now. They are happening now. And what we do today will determine how we live tomorrow.
We are not separate from nature. We are nature. Every action we take has an impact, positive or negative. The Earth doesn’t need us to save it; it needs us to stop damaging it.
What if every day was Earth Day?
Imagine what the world would be like if we all lived with this ecological awareness 365 days a year. If every day we chose to care, protect, regenerate… If every gesture, no matter how small, became a seed of change.
Because yes, the sum of our actions can transform the planet.
Today is a good day to start
Do something for the Earth today: turn off a light, recycle a bottle, plant a flower, talk to a friend about it.
And tomorrow… do it again.
Our home deserves our love and our effort, not just one day a year, but every day. Because we don’t have a planet B.
