The theme for Earth Day 2020 is climate action. The enormous challenge — but also the vast opportunities — of action on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary.
On #EARTHDAY2020, we seize all the tools and actions that we have, big and small, to change our lives and change our world, not for one day, but forever.
While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it will not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward.
Visit earthday.org on April 22 as we build an Earth Day unlike any other — We’re flooding the digital landscape with livestreamed discussions, a global digital surge, and 24 hours of actions that you can take, right now and from wherever you are.
Earth Day Activities
@ The House
1. Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater – Set too high (140 degrees or higher), water heaters can waste up to 5 percent on your heating costs and use. Talk to your kids about timing their showers while you’re at it.
2. Fix Leaks – A leak of one drip per second can waste 259 gallons of water every month, according to the Department of Energy. Do a water audit with your kids and teach them how to tighten up the faucet.
3. Keep Reusable Shopping Bags in Your Car – Being prepared with reusable bags is key to reducing a major source of waste — plastic. Have your family buy some plain canvas totes and decorate them with fabric paint to make saving the planet more fun.
4. Use Earth-friendly Cleaning Products – There are so many more cost-effective, green-friendly options to choose from today. Go through your current cleaning supplies with your family and then go shopping for some earth-friendly supplies — or make your own from ingredients in your own pantry!
5. Turn It Off – It’s not just about saving money on your electric bill (although that’s a nice perk, too). Remember to recommit with your family to turn off lights and electric appliances when not in use. Consider charging family members a quarter (or smartphone time!) each time they forget and see how much quicker they develop the habit.
6. Have a No TV Day – Encourage more time in the fresh air. Plan a family picnic in the backyard, go for a walk or plan some outdoor games. Think about making it a weekly family tradition!
7. Plant a Vegetable Garden – Start simple by planting some fresh herbs or container plants such as tomatoes.
@ The Office
1. Commit to a Reusable Coffee Cup – Saving five cups and lids over the course of a week amounts to nearly 300 during the year. Multiply that times the number of people who work just in your office, and it quickly adds up. Give everyone in the office a company-branded mug on Earth Day to reinforce the message.
2. Add More Recycling Bins – Studies show sizable increases in recycling participation with more bins that are easily accessible. Send a note to co-workers to make sure they know where the bins are located.
3. Host a Drive to Collect E-waste – It’s estimated that only 12.5 percent of e-waste (tech hardware like old computers) is being recycled today, and that e-waste represents more than 70 percent of the toxic waste in landfills. Get your entire office park or building involved for good measure.
4. Use a Recyclable Water Bottle – The U.S. alone consumes more than 50 billion plastic water bottles annually. Get rid of plastic cups around the office water cooler. Hand out company-branded water bottles if you want to help the cause even more.
5. Plan a Telecommute Day – Go outside the office norm and do a work-from-home day in honor of Earth Day. You’ll save lots of energy in the process.
6 Use Less Paper – Adopt a double-sided printing policy for all office correspondence.
7. Try to Be Paper Free for the Day – Ask employees to go a day (or even a week) without printing anything out. (Make exceptions for anything truly necessary but try to limit it.) This will hopefully give workers pause before they hit the “print” button next time.
8. Raise Money for a Local Environmental Group – Pick a worthy group in the community that empowers earth-friendly practices such as a nature conservancy or environmental action organization. The company can match employee donations.
This Global Movement Needs YOU! Add your voice on social media with #EARTHDAY2020