15 Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day and Show Your Support in Schools or Home

Earth Day seems to pass people by every year without much attention, but there are multiple ways to celebrate Earth Day.¹

The day itself serves as an opportunity for us to better educate ourselves about the planet, what it needs, and how we can help it.

When Is Earth Day and Why?

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22; Nelson chose this date because it had originally been celebrated as Arbor Day since 1882, according to some. However, others suggest that the original “teach-in” was selected for that day because of it’s timing with the college semester.

Others say this date had been chosen for Arbor Day since it was J. Sterling Morton’s birthday, a Nebraska pioneer man who advocated for the planting of trees in the prairie lands.⁴

Today there are multiple ways to celebrate Earth Day outside of just planting trees, so let’s take a look at what you can do to make an impact on the next Earth Day.

What Is Earth Day and How Did It Start?

Earth Day was the brainchild Ira Einhorn, who was once considered a “co-founder.” However, about a month later, Wisconsin’s Senator Gaylord Nelson,² wanted to bring more awareness to the health of the planet and he is the person credited with it now. (Einhorn died in prison in 2020).

He began the celebratory day in 1970 (April 22, to be precise), and it was made more influential with the image of Earth taken by the Apollo 17 astronauts in 1972.³

Why Do We Celebrate Earth Day Every Year?

Earth Day serves as a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements and steps made by advocates for the Earth, and to bring awareness to humanity’s impact on our planet as well as ways in which we can protect and heal it.

This day was important for addressing the effects of air and water pollution and its effects on human health and animal species.

Ways To Celebrate Earth Day: How To Celebrate Earth Day and Give Back

There are multiple ways to celebrate Earth Day, and most of them present an opportunity to go out and experience nature and avoid looking at a screen all day. Here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day.

#1 Plant a Tree

Yes, it may be a cliche, but one of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is to plant a tree. Not only does it give back to the planet so much of what we as humans have taken away, but it also serves a practical purpose for promoting the health of the planet.

Why are trees important for the health of the planet? Trees help to take carbon dioxide out of the air,⁵ thus giving carbon emissions a place to be transformed back into oxygen.

Large groups of trees like forests and woods serve as a carbon sink, so you and a group of friends could get together to build the beginnings of a forest.

It also serves as a reminder that a tree can outlast our lifespan and that we are all leaving this planet to future generations. As the famous tree planting quote from Nelson Henderson says, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”

On average it can cost $300 to plant a tree,⁶ but it depends on the maturity. You can plant a tree as a seedling, which costs next to nothing, or buy a sapling, which will cost a bit more.

#2 Start a Backyard Garden

A backyard garden is a fantastic idea if you love to grow your own food, and it also serves as an eco-friendly and sustainable option for our future food security. This is especially great if you start adopting permaculture practices,⁷ of which are regenerative gardening practices that build the health of the soil and boost the health of native species.

This is a great way to celebrate Earth Day as a family since you, your kids, and your spouse can start to learn about different breeds of plants and how they interact with each other, and the specific environment you may be in. Growing food at home in a sustainable way without pesticides and with natural methods also helps you build a relationship with the Earth,⁸ giving a deeper appreciation for where your food comes from.

But it also matters what type of plants are in your garden, especially when it comes to permaculture practices…

#3 Focus on Planting Native Species

If you grow native species you will not only be supplying yourself with the vegetation and food sources that were meant to be grown in your area, but you are also supporting your natural environment.⁹

Many gardens have introduced species that aren’t native to the area and may act as invasive species.

Humanity’s history of colonization and travel has resulted in the introduction of nearly 3,500 harmful species.¹⁰ These species have destroyed native plants, and with the destruction of sources of food for native species has led to a chain reaction completely altering natural environments.

The biggest reason to grow native species is to support the various types of bees in a region. Bees, especially wild ones,¹¹ are crucial to the ecosystem since they pollinate two-thirds of the crops we eat,¹² as well as crops crucial to the diet of native animal species.

#4 Start Using Energy-Saving Practices

Earth Day is a great reminder that even the smallest things you do make a difference, especially if everyone starts to do them.

Start practicing some energy saving actions like turning off the lights when you aren’t in a room, unplugging electronics that aren’t in use, and cutting down on water usage.

#5 Start Composting

If you have a garden, you can start composting and feeding your garden with it. This uses what otherwise might be wasted, and adds nutrients to your soil.¹³

Some cities and townships also offer composting programs, supplying you with a composting bucket that they pick up every week or two.

Earth Day Activities for Your Kids

The most important thing you could do for children is spark their love and interest in the planet, so they can grow up to become advocates for our world.

Here are some ways to celebrate Earth Day with the kids so they can learn about nature and have fun doing it.

#6 Go for a Family Hike

Research your local area for any trailheads or state or national parks for great hikes.

Not only does this help get your kids away from screens, which can be harmful in excess, but it can introduce a whole new world, our world, to them for

#7 Learn About Edible Native Plants

Edible plants are everywhere, and there is no better way to enhance your child’s eye for and knowledge of nature than to bring them to learn about all the plant species in your yard and in the wild.

Understanding these species, where they grow, and how to identify them will open up a world of knowledge, fueling a passion to research and better know the environment. Starting with species that can’t be mistaken for any poisonous or harmful species is crucial; there are a myriad of mushroom species that can be easily identified and can be mistaken.¹⁴

However, it’s just as important for them to identify poisonous plants as well as edible ones.

#8 Make Decorations in the House With Recycled Material

Raise your child’s awareness when it comes to materials you use at home. Getting them involved in arts and crafts with packaging that would otherwise be wasted will show them how much we throw away and how many things can be recycled.

#9 Go to a Lake or River and Pick Up Trash

Obviously, you don’t want to lead with, “Let’s go pick up some trash,” as your child may not find that to be the most exciting way to spend the day, however, visiting a lake and/or river in your area to go fishing, canoeing, or swimming is a great way to spend the day for a child.

Just let them know that in order for you and others to enjoy those activities in the future, that beautiful space should be taken care of. Spend the last half hour or so picking up trash and recycling whatever can be from your day out.

#10 Create Fun Crafts To Attract Animals

Kids can build things like bee hotels, bird feeders, or insect hotels with natural materials. This will attract animals and insects that children could spend hours observing.

Giving children an opportunity to experience animals up close can help them gain an appreciation for them, impressing the necessity for protecting these cool and necessary species.

Earth Day Ideas for Schools

If you are a teacher looking for exciting activities for your students during Earth Day, these are some of the ways to celebrate Earth Day to help engage your students in the environment and our effect on it.

#11 Start a School Garden

Whether it’s near a playground or even on the roof, you can start a garden with your students.

This is a great learning experience, teaching students various plant species and also giving them the responsibility of caring for and maintaining the garden.

#12 Build a Composter

Something that can be done in conjunction with a school garden is a composter.

Building a composter involves a level of engineering and science knowledge; this makes it a fun activity that will teach children what can be composted and how it can be added to a garden effectively.

#13 Bring In Knowledgeable Speakers

Reach out to various local wildlife, environmental, or community organizations to bring in a speaker for a day or to have a meeting on Skype.

Bringing in professionals who are knowledgeable about the environment can excite children and help build their interest in the field.

#14 Teach About Environmental Events, Ways To Celebrate Earth Day, and Climate Change

Earth Day is a great opportunity to give lessons focused on the history of environmental work and even the origins of Earth Day itself.

This is also a chance to teach the impact of climate change and how everyday choices can fuel the issues that influence our environment.

You can also teach about environmental policies in your city, state, and on a federal level.

#15 Go on a Field Trip

Plan a field trip to nature preserves or state or national parks to give children an opportunity to experience the natural world.

Have the students observe the various plants and wildlife, and ask them to write about their experiences.

Download These Fun Environmental Worksheets

How Is Earth Day Celebrated Around the World in Other Countries?

Many countries have picked up Earth Day and may celebrate it differently than the U.S. because many have different levels of environmental awareness through their communities.

Japan

Earth Day lasts for two days in Tokyo, Japan where they hold family activities and promote sustainable practices at Yoyogi Park.

Canada

Canada celebrates the day with a tree planting ceremony at McMaster University while the rest of the country takes part in sustainable-focused activities, education, and a tree planting relay.

Switzerland

The International School of Geneva helps to raise funds for tree planting projects for other school grounds.

Philippines

The Earth Day Run is a popular event in this country, with various webinars organized by the country and collective climate action initiatives.

United Kingdom

The U.K. raises funds in order to fight climate change through an event that features musician and speakers to discuss the importance of taking care of our planet.

These are just some ways to celebrate Earth Day, but the important thing to focus on is bringing awareness to the beauty of this planet and gaining a deeper appreciation so that you can think more about how you can do better for the world.