Earth Day Tips: Celebrate and Boost Your Well-Being
I originally wrote about Earth Day in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its origin—so it’s hard to believe we’re preparing to celebrate the 55th anniversary. That’s right! Tuesday, April 22, 2025 is Earth Day!
This year, the theme is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET. There are many ways you can get involved and make a difference for our planet. And it’s a GREAT WAY to get involved in your community while also practicing self-care!
We talk a lot about the importance of community engagement here on Sassy Sister Stuff, so I want to make sure you have all the information you need to prepare for Earth Day this year.
Whether you are joining a community organization that is cleaning your local park, or helping your electric company distribute flyers to promote reducing energy, or even posting about Earth Day on your social media platforms every day in April, your contribution will make a difference and you will boost your well-being!
You will be engaged in something bigger than yourself—something that will make a difference, and something that will give you purpose. Let’s boost your well-being this Earth Day!
The History of Earth Day
As we all strive for a cleaner lifestyle and ways to protect our Earth, it is more important than ever to make everyone aware of the need to take care of our planet.
Let me share a simple quote from an article from The Old Farmer’s Almanac which was founded in 1792:
“The connection that we have to nature, plants, and the land is integral to our health and all that we are. Earth Day reminds us to take care of our planet—whether it’s cleaning up litter, planting more trees, recycling and repurposing, or going on a walk in a green space amidst the wildflowers.”
This is such a beautiful way to summarize the purpose of Earth Day! Earth Day began on April 22, 1970, as a way to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire action to protect our planet.
It was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, who wanted to bring attention to pollution, deforestation, and other threats to the environment.
Millions of people across the United States participated in rallies, clean-ups, and educational events, making it clear that the public cared about the Earth.
Today, more than 1 billion people participate every year, making it the largest environmental movement in the world.
The movement grew quickly, and by 1990, Earth Day became a global event, with over 140 countries joining in.
It’s a day to celebrate our planet, reflect on how we impact the environment, and take action—big or small—to create a cleaner, greener future.
With the growth and awareness of Earth Day, our Earth gets healthier. But there is an added benefit to you and me!
We know that spending time outdoors and community engagement both help our overall well-being! It sounds like a win-win situation for you to get involved and boost your well-being this Earth Day.
The Expansion of Earth Day
What started as a national movement in 1970 quickly grew into a global movement for environmental awareness and action. Led by environmental advocate Denis Hayes, Earth Day expanded beyond the U.S., gaining international support and inspiring policy changes worldwide.
The Earth Day Network now coordinates the annual event, bringing together millions of people across more than 190 countries to address environmental challenges.
Over the years, Earth Day has helped push for critical policies like the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—all of which have played a major role in protecting our planet.
With growing concerns about climate change, pollution, and sustainability, organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize the importance of global awareness in protecting both the planet and human health.
What started with the first green advocates has now become a worldwide mission to create a cleaner, healthier future for all.
Earth Day and Dr. Seuss
Even Dr. Seuss got involved with Earth Day celebrations with his book, The Lorax.
Dr. Seuss wrote this story as a way to challenge young (and old) readers to become more knowledgeable, curious, and thoughtful about the world around them.
Although he wrote it in 1971, the Lorax message about environmental protection is even more relevant than ever before.
Get Outside and Celebrate Earth Day
Spending time in the great outdoors isn’t just good for the planet—it’s great for your physical and mental health too!
Fresh air, green spaces, and natural environments have a positive effect on energy levels, immune function, and even high blood pressure and cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
This Earth Day, embrace Mother Nature with these fun and meaningful (self-care) outdoor activities:
- Take a Nature Walk or Hike: Enjoy the fresh air while soaking in the beauty of natural landscapes. It’s a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood.
- Go for a Bike Ride: Reduce your carbon footprint while getting some exercise. Bonus points if you bike to a local farmers’ market for fresh, local produce!
- Start an Herb Garden: Whether it’s in your backyard or on a windowsill, growing your own herbs is a simple way to connect with nature and reduce reliance on store-bought items.
- Try Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Swap out toxic chemicals for natural cleaning products like white vinegar and baking soda. Cleaning your home with safer alternatives benefits both human health and environmental well-being.
- Plant a Tree or Flowers: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality, while flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping local ecosystems thrive.
- Bring Nature Indoors: If the weather isn’t ideal, bring the natural world inside with indoor plants, which can help purify the air and brighten up your space.
No matter how you celebrate, taking time to appreciate and care for the planet will leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, and more connected to the natural world. 🌿🌍💚
Community Engagement for Earth Day
Earth Day is an excellent time to come together and make a difference in your local environment. Whether in the workplace or your neighborhood, communal activities can inspire lasting change while fostering connections. Here are some fun ways to get involved:
Workplace Initiatives
- Start a Company Garden: A great idea to promote sustainability, boost employee health, and provide fresh herbs or vegetables for the office.
- Host a “Day of Action”: Organize a team to clean up a parking lot, plant trees, or volunteer at a local environmental nonprofit.
- Encourage Green Commuting: Challenge employees to bike, walk, or carpool to work to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Practice Mindfulness in a Natural Setting: Take a break outdoors, encouraging employees to reflect on their connection to the Earth.
Community Activities
- Organize a Neighborhood Clean-Up: Gather friends and neighbors to remove litter from parks, beaches, or public spaces.
- Support Local Farmers: Encourage shopping at farmers’ markets or starting a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
- Host an Earth Day Event: Plan a recycling drive, sustainability workshop, or eco-friendly craft fair.
- Use Public Transportation: Explore the services that are available in your area and share with others so more people will begin to use alternative transportation.
- Volunteer at a State or National Park: Help clean trails, plant trees, or assist with conservation projects.
By engaging in community and workplace activities on Earth Day, you can help employees and neighbors feel more connected to each other and the planet—creating a ripple effect of positive environmental and human change!
Final Thoughts
We’ve come a long way since the first Earth Day in 1970. When I was in school, Earth Day was a week-long celebration of science activities that taught us about our Earth.
Today, it’s an international movement about the environmental impact we have on our Earth and the health benefits we get from Mother Earth. Let’s keep up the good work for future generations!
Happy Earth Day! Don’t forget to respect and take care of our planet! And you, too!
Love to all! ~ Susan
