You likely know Earth Day is April 22, but did you know it is the kingpin for an entire month of activities devoted to protecting the planet? There are simple things you can do on your own, with the family, and even with your neighbors that can positively impact the environment. Here are a few ways on how to celebrate Earth Month:
How to Celebrate Earth Month
Going Solo
Action starts with awareness, and there’s no better way to build awareness of the importance of nature than by feeling its impact. Take a walk outside, sit on a park bench, listen to the birds, watch for squirrels, and feel the sun’s warmth. Spending even a few minutes outdoors can lower your blood pressure and increase your sense of peace.
Now that you’re motivated, look at how you’re using energy in your home. Are you using energy-efficient light bulbs? Are your appliances Energy Star rated? Key benefits of a newly built home are the energy-efficient appliances, windows, and HVAC systems. Not only are they gentler on the environment, but they’re also kinder to your bank account with reduced utility costs.
You can also reduce the single-use plastics by opting for reusable bags and other containers, another budget-friendly move.
Planting a tree, flowers, herbs, or maybe even a vegetable garden is another earth-friendly move. Consider setting up a rain barrel to collect water for your new plants and garden.
With the Family
The kids would probably love to join you in planting flowers or a garden! Choose posies in their favorite colors and let them set up a planter box all their own. Encourage planting pollinators and explain what that means — after all, children are our environmental future. Plant their favorite vegetables as well as a new-to-them vegetable or fruit. Watching it grow might encourage them to try it.
If you have a young crafter, encourage them to transform those Amazon boxes into a castle, puppet theater (with old socks as puppets), or even a guitar. Used plastic bottles can become planters or bird feeders. You can even make seed “bombs” out of clay, soil, and native wildflower seeds to place or toss the seed bomb into an area that needs a bit of color.
Another Earth Month activity for families is to start a family eco-challenge to encourage each family member to reduce water usage and electricity. The week’s winner can choose which park to visit next.
With the Neighbors
Talk to friends and neighbors about hosting a neighborhood swap. A clothes swap could center on children’s clothing or even your own — it’s a great way to update your closet and get rid of that floral skirt that was a great buy, but you never wear. Have a book exchange and discover a new author. Do a toy swap to get rid of items your child has outgrown and to fill the toybox with more age-appropriate items.
Have neighbors with the same-age children? Organize carpools — your school staff will be very appreciative. Take the eco-challenge idea block-wide to see which household can save the most electricity and water.
Celebrate Earth Month All Year
There’s no reason to limit your earth-friendly activities to just April. You can practice these ideas all year long, especially in a new home. Our builders — Coventry Homes, Perry Homes, and Westin Homes — are committed to sustainable building practices and industry-leading energy efficiencies. Visit their model homes to learn more about each builder’s environmentally friendly approaches.
