Every April 22, we celebrate Earth Day. People from all over the world honor and acknowledge this fundamental day to raise awareness and protect the planet from pollution, deforestation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity, by taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees.

Here are 5 ways that you can help to care for our planet and truly make a change.

1. Clean Up Plastic in Your Neighborhood and nearby beaches

One of the best ways to connect with the Earth is by cleaning! Go on a walk and clean up any plastic that you find. You’ll start to realize how much plastic invades every aspect of our lives. 

Want to join a group and make a change? Check out Keep America Beautiful and don’t forget to recycle plastic.

2. Conserve Water

Avoid overwatering your plants and improve their health by knowing how much your garden really needs. Avoid watering your garden vegetables and plants from overhead, which invites fungal disease. Water at the soil level always.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in the Garden

Caring about yourself and nature means being less wasteful and saving money, too. Here’s two ideas for the garden lovers (or not):

• Create your own compost.
• Reuse, recycle, or return old plastic pots and trays. See six ways to reuse pots and containers.

4. Stop food waste

About one-third of the food that we produce every year goes to waste annually! Usually, this happens after we buy the food. How do we avoid waste in our own lives and save money at the same time? Also, how can we improve our diet so that it’s healthier for ourselves and the planet?

One way is to care about your “foodprint,” which is the result of everything that it takes to get your food from the farm to your plate.

5. Plant a Tree

Did you know that planting one oak tree brings in more insect and bird species than an entire yard of plants? capturing carbon, cooling overheated places, benefits agriculture, supports pollinators and reduces the risk of disease transmission. Consider planting your own on your property or try talking to your local government about planting more trees in public spaces to benefit the environment and ourselves.

Let’s all make an effort by appreciating and respecting the nature around us. It takes one of these ideas to make a change.

The OMG team wants to make a difference and help protect the environment on a daily basis. Learn like we do and get involved. Want more info on Earth Day and how to help? Click here