Recognized internationally as Earth Month, April is a great time for each of us to direct our attention toward sustainability, conservation, and community engagement.
Although there are many ways to contribute to the health of the planet, here are seven simple ones you can try this month to start giving back and help establish a more sustainable future.
Join the Great Global Cleanup
On April 22, otherwise known as Earth Day, consider participating in EARTHDAY.ORG’s campaign to remove litter and plastic pollution from parks, rivers, and streets within communities worldwide. You can find a list of projects near you in its online guide or even sign up to host one yourself. Many other organizations also hold cleanup events throughout the month, so check with your local municipalities or Volunteer.gov to see what options are available and how you can lend your support.
Assist a community garden
If you aren’t already involved with one, find a community garden to join this month. These programs provide fresh, locally grown produce, foster a sense of unity, and promote sustainable agriculture practices. Depending on the needs of the specific garden, you could volunteer to plant, mulch, harvest, or organize future local outreaches. You can use this map from the American Community Gardening Association to find one in your area; if there aren’t any near you, the organization also offers numerous resources on how to start your own.
Maintain local nature areas
If you enjoy spending time in nature, this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. The Forest Service relies on volunteers to help maintain various outdoor areas, including hiking trails, campgrounds, and new building projects. As a bonus, once you reach 250 volunteer hours, you’ll receive an interagency volunteer pass, which gives you free access to national parks and other public lands for one year.
Plant a tree
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, trees are integral to maintaining the health of our planet—they perform a multitude of crucial functions, such as purifying the air, capturing carbon, and stabilizing the soil. Do your part to preserve and enhance this vital connection by volunteering for a tree-planting event in your community, adding one to your yard, or supporting organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation or One Tree Planted through donations. Especially with Arbor Day coming up at the end of the month, now is an opportune moment to make a positive impact.
Support local farms
Buying local is a great option for Earth Month, and not just because you’re getting fresher products; it also cuts down on air pollution and encourages more sustainable practices. Whether you’re in search of fresh produce, meat, dairy products, or other essentials, explore your nearby farmers market or utilize resources like LocalHarvest and the USDA’s local food directory to find food sources near you. By making this switch, you can elevate the quality of your goods, contribute to a healthier environment, and boost the well-being of your local economy.
Save the bees
Since bees are responsible for pollinating our plants, our food production depends on them. Unfortunately, however, the bee population has fallen by more than 50 percent over the last seventy-five years. You can do your part to help sustain it by growing bee-friendly flora that are native to where you live. This will not only provide more food for them but also improve the soil in your area. Alternatively, you could volunteer with Save the Bees, which has different opportunities throughout the year for tasks like environmental restoration, bee research, and beekeeping.
Participate in a wildlife habitat restoration
Also in need of support are the animals who, like us, call earth their home. This month, consider working with an organization to restore natural habitats for species native to your area, which can create a friendly environment for wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and preserve ecosystems. You can find opportunities to do so through the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Audubon Society as well as through local organizations.
Earth Month is a fantastic time to come together and make a difference for the planet. Participating in activities such as cleanup events and tree planting will have immediate benefits and foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the earth that can last well beyond April. So volunteer, raise awareness, and take action to create a more sustainable and beautiful world for generations to come.
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