Ideas to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day
Here are some love-your-plant activities for everyone in your family.
Arbor Day vs Earth Day
Arbor Day was originally proposed in the 1800's as a day to plant a tree with the intention of repopulation. Arbor Day is now a widely celebrated holiday across the nation. It is typically celebrated in April, but the date does vary by state. In the 1970's, Earth Day was set as a holiday in the Spring to help raise awareness of pollution and other environmental issues.
A popular activity to help celebrate Arbor or Earth day, that almost anyone can do, is tree planting. We can also remember our helpful bee and butterfly population by planting bushes and flowers that can help our pollinator friends support food crops and the ecosystem.
These types of holidays are intended to help raise public awareness of air and water pollution as well as nature and environmental protection.
Ways to celebrate
Here are some practical and fun ideas you can do to celebrate these holidays and help make a difference.
In your community
- Get outside and enjoy nature
- Plant trees, plants (think about pollinators) or help with a community garden
- Visit a park or arboretum
- Stroll on a beach, bike on a trail or take a hike
- Pick up trash along the sidewalks and roads
- Help with or coordinate a community service event
- Donate to an environmentally-friendly cause, charity or food pantry
In your yard
- Put up a bird feeder or birdhouse
- Pick up fallen sticks to help beautify your home
- Plant something green, such as a tree, native grasses or pollinator-friendly flowers
- Set up a compost bin
- Collect rainwater to use in your garden
In your home
- Look for ways to be energy efficient
- Make windows more efficient
- Use water wisely
- Fix water leaks
- Install long-lasting, energy-saving LED light bulbs
- Unplug appliances not in use
- Switch to earth-friendly cleaning products
- Sign up for e-billing on all accounts to help reduce paper use and waste
- Safely dispose of light bulbs, electronics, batteries, paint and chemicals/toxins
At your workplace or office
- Use a reusable water bottle or coffee cup
- Install long-lasting, energy-saving LED light bulbs
- Find ways to help reduce paper product usage
- Commit to biking or carpooling to work once a week
- Recycle trash
Other activities for kids
Kids may enjoy some of the activities listed below:
- Participate in or coordinate a kid-friendly volunteer event
- Build your own birdhouse or bird feeder
- Build a terrarium
- Build a bug hotel using leaves and sticks
- Create an art project from recycled products
- Visit a zoo
- Learn about trees and plants
Other activities for adults
Adults may enjoy some of these additional activities:
- Clean out your closet and donate items to a second-hand store
- Attend an Arbor Day or Earth Day event or lecture
- Visit a botanical garden
- Volunteer at a tree planting organization in your area
- Honor or celebrate a loved one by planting a tree in their name
You can also help contribute and recognize Arbor Day and Earth Day year-round by using earth-friendly practices at home, such as recycling and reusing bags, every day.
