Earth Day is a global event that takes place every year on April 22nd and is dedicated to celebrating our beaut planet as well as raising awareness about pressing environmental issues. In this blog, we bring you some tangile tips to get Earth Day happening in your household or local community. Sometimes saving the world can feel like a heavy task, so we’re promoting smaller steps, targeted locally that encourage greener thinking.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, and it was inspired by growing concerns around pollution and environmental degradation (just in case ya hadn’t heard). Since then, it has become a global movement, with millions of people around the world taking smart and witty action to protect the planet. Climate change is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face today, and it’s important that we take action to address it. Earth Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting the planet, and that we need to work together to create a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
Why is Earth Day important?
Well, in case you’ve been living under a rock, our planet is facing some major challenges right now, such as climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity (and that’s just in the eco-department). Earth Day is a chance for people all over the world to come together and take action to address these issues. It’s a day to reflect on our impact on the planet and to think about how we can make a difference. But it’s not all doom and gloom! Earth Day initiatives are becoming creative outlets for eco-thinkers to install awareness. Some restaurants cut the power for an hour and go for a candle-lit evening – so romantic! Community gardens host composting workshops, and schools pioneer with a wide range of creative ways to contribute. Earth Day is a celebratory reminder of what we’ll lose if we don’t make some changes.
Flex Your Green Fingers This Earth Day
There are lots of ways to participate, from volunteering for a local environmental group to attending an Earth Day event in your community.
- Volunteer for a local environmental group: There are many local groups in New Zealand that focus on environmental issues, from planting trees to cleaning up waterways. Volunteering with one of these groups is a great way to make a positive impact in your community. Check out Sustainable Coastlines or Wao Aoteoroa to browse some options.
- Attend an Earth Day event: Check your local community calendar for Earth Day events happening in your area. These events may include educational talks, community clean-ups, or tree planting activities. At Bike Glendhu, we host a Planting Day to bring people together and drive native ecology in the park.
- Reduce your carbon footprint: Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint. Consider biking or walking to work, using reusable bags and containers, and reducing your energy consumption at home.
- Plant native plants: As mentioned earlier, planting native plants is a great way to support local ecosystems and protect endangered species. We wrote a whole blog about NZ natives, check it out here.
- Organize a litter clean-up: Litter is a major problem in many communities, and it can harm wildlife and pollute waterways. Organize a clean-up event in your local park, beach, or other public area to make a positive impact on your community. Add in some music, food, fancy drink and you’ve got yourself a party!
- Support local businesses that prioritize sustainability: Look for businesses in your community that prioritize sustainability and support them! This can include restaurants that source their ingredients locally, or shops that sell eco-friendly products. Our in-house Velo Cafe are champions at this, boasting nutritious free-range eats and locally crafted beers and beverages.
These are but a few examples of how you can get involved in Earth Day! Remember, even small actions can make a big difference… But more importantly – make it fun!
Not that we’re bias, but New Zealand is home to some of the most unique and badass plants in the world, and many of them are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and other factors. By planting native plants in your yard or community, you can help protect these important species and create habitat for local wildlife.
Not sure where to start with planting natives? We got you! And if you need specific guidance, head to Matukituki Natives who will give the lowdown on plants and maintain your new babies.
Native Planting Tips:
- Choose the right plant for the right place.
- Make sure you select plants that are suited to your soil type, sunlight exposure, and climate.
- Plant in groups.
- Planting in clusters can help create a more natural-looking landscape and make it easier for pollinators to find the plants.
- Mulch your plants. Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Maintain your plants. Regular pruning and weeding can help keep your plants healthy and thriving.
If you’d like to get hands on and learn from the best join us at our next Planting Day event where we’ll teach you how to get your hands dirty and become a native planting pro. Jump onto the event page here and invite the whole gang for a day of green finger fun.
