I remember growing up celebrating Earth Day in school and hearing about global warming and greenhouse gasses in class. These concepts always felt so far away when I was a kid; surely, if we all did our part, we would fix the problem by the time I was an adult.
Now, the issues I learned about as a child don’t feel so far away anymore. They feel much too close for comfort.
With each passing year, climate change looms bigger in our lives. While it can feel overwhelming at times, we still must not discount the little steps we can all take that add up to big change.
Today, on Earth Day, let’s take this time to be grateful for the beautiful planet we call home.
Put the worrying to the side for today, instead focusing on doing something beneficial for the earth because it’s enjoyable. Let’s make this day one of joy and hope. There will be plenty of time for worry in the future.
Spend some time outside. Work in your garden. Plan an activity that will put those small steps into action.
We’ve put together a list of fifteen suggestions (adding up to over a hundred project ideas) you can do this Earth Day to make a positive impact on our planet right in your backyard or neighborhood while putting the focus on enjoying our home – earth.
1. Homemade Wildflower Seed Bombs To Beautify Forgotten Landscapes
Grab the kids and some native wildflower seeds. Earth Day can turn into a whole rewilding movement starting right in your neighborhood. These homemade wildflower seed bombs are quick and fun to make, but “bombing” your targets with them is even more fun.
2. How To Turn Your Lawn Into A Wildflower Meadow (& Why You Should)
Make today the day you let nature reclaim your lawn. Imagine looking out your front window and seeing colorful flowers and buzzing insects. End your days of grumbling about the lawn needing to be mowed again.
3. 13 Practical Ways You Can Help Pollinators – With Advice From a Distinguished Entomologist
Earth Day is a great day to put the focus on pollinators. As we face a worldwide crisis of dwindling pollinator populations, you’d be surprised at all the ways you can help. This post is packed with great information on things you can do today and every day to make your yard a pollinator-friendly place to be.
4. How To Build A Bug Hotel + 5 Reasons Why You Should
Trendy bug hotels are popping up in stores all over. But most aren’t made with the best materials to keep your bug friends healthy. Build your bug hotel and ensure your local pollinators have a clean and safe place to overwinter and brood.
5. How To Build A Bat House To Attract More Bats To Your Yard
With a little lumber, a couple of hand tools, and a few hours, you can build a bat house to place on your property. These winged nighttime visitors often get a bad rap, but they’re incredibly beneficial to have around.
6. 4 Ways To Attract Bats To Your Yard (And Why You Should)
You can read here for more ways to attract bats to your yard and learn about why these little guys are so great to have around.
7. 12 DIY Compost Bin & Tumbler Ideas Anyone Can Make
Maybe Earth Day is the day you decide to cut down on your household’s waste by starting to compost. There’s no need to go out and buy an expensive compost bin; we’ve got 12 great ideas for you to build your own.
8. 6 Reasons To Smudge Your Home + DIY Wild-foraged Smudge Sticks
Don’t forget the inside of your home too on Earth Day. Cheryl talks about this beautiful ritual and its tradition. She also tells you how to make your own smudge sticks. Perhaps a walk around your yard or a hike is in order to collect your smudge stick ingredients. I can’t think of a better way to spend Earth Day than out connecting with nature.
9. Rewild Your Garden: 10 Easy Things You Can Do To Make A Big Difference
Giving back, literally, might be the best thing you could do this Earth Day. Let nature take over your garden once again. Welcome back the wild growing things, and with them will come the wildlife too. Make your garden a space that welcomes all nature and cut down on your yard work while you do it.
10. How To Make A Wooden Pallet Vertical Garden
Or perhaps you’ve decided you’re going to recycle those wood pallets you found. A vertical garden is a great way to put them to good use. Not only are you upcycling them, but you’ll be rewarded with fresh herbs and vegetables too.
11. 21 Ways To Upcycle Wood Pallets In The Garden
If you’ve got more wood pallets, we’ve got even more projects to help you put them to good use.
12. 8 DIY Natural Cleaning Products For The Entire Home
Spend Earth Day replacing your harsh chemical cleaners with natural cleaning products. Not only will your cleaning products be better for the environment, but they will be much safer for your family too. No more headaches from the smell. No more worrying about putting them up out of reach.
13. 5 Ways To Attract Beautiful Birds To Your Garden
If you’re looking for ways to invite nature into your yard, don’t forget the birds. Their flashy colors and beautiful songs are a welcome addition to any garden. Cheryl shows you five easy ways to attract birds to your home.
14. How To Make A DIY Rustic Hanging Bird Bath
And once you’ve got feathery visitors stopping by, you’ll want to provide a place for them to drink and bath. Meredith will show you how to make this charming (and easy) hanging birdbath. What a great Earth Day project!
15. 35 Ways To Upcycle Old Tires In The Garden
If you’ve got old tires lying around, skip the landfill and put them to work in the garden. Wait until you see all the creative ways you can use tires around the yard. If you have your eyes set on any of the bigger projects, you can reach out to neighbors and your community to collect old tires. Many folks would be happy to hand off tires sitting in their garages rather than putting them in the trash.
I hope we’ve provided you with plenty of Earth Day inspiration. Remember, even the smallest act helps. Happy Earth Day from the Rural Sprout Team to you!
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