Skip to main content

This Earth Day, take these 4 steps to go (more) green

Earth Day is on April 22 this year, and while we’re all still practicing social distancing, there are plenty of ways to celebrate some Earth Day action from the comfort of our homes. Earth Day has been happening every year since 1970 as a way to show support for environmental protection and educate others about the disasters of climate change. It’s a chance to show what we can all do to take care of Mother Earth. There are plenty of ways to get the whole family involved from home and make a big impact on the environment.

plastics in home
photo/Shutterstock

Look for small ways to go green

The best thing you can do on Earth Day is to examine your home, yard and fridge to see what you can do to make your everyday lifestyle a bit more greener. We’ve got some ideas on just how to do that.

Recommended Videos

Conduct a plastic audit

EarthDay.org suggests that every household take time this Earth Day to perform a plastic audit, which involves counting how many plastic containers, wraps, bottles and bags are purchased for at-home use. It may surprise you how many you use until you start counting! While we’re not saying that you have to get rid of every single ounce of plastic in your home, it is important to be aware of your family’s plastic usage, and to take time to research more sustainable products and start to incorporate them into your daily life. Simple swaps like glass containers instead of plastic or stainless steel bottles instead of single-use plastics can go a long way to making a difference.

Find a plant-based recipe to prepare

EarthDay.org also recommends researching a new plant-based recipe or recreating family-favorite recipes using plant-based alternatives. This can be research you do as a family or by live-streaming a plant-based cooking class for your friends and family. Online cooking classes have skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic, and this is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill using plant-based ingredients.

Take on the Global Earth Challenge

If you have family members who love to investigate, have them download the Global Earth Challenge app and collect data about the air quality and plastic pollution in your community. This is an ideal way to teach yourself and others about actions you can take locally to help lessen the stress on the planet. It’s also a great lesson to teach kids about curiosity and social responsibility. This is a lesson they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

kids art

Become an artist for a day

Another fun activity is to make a craft—be it artwork, a birdhouse, or a new feature for the dining room table—using only recycled materials. You can use old aluminum cans, toilet paper rolls, glass, or find items from nature like leaves and pinecones to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece you can enjoy for years to come. Make a bunch of crafts that your kids can give to family members for the holidays to teach them about what they can do to help protect the planet.

Earth Day is just one day out of the year, but it’s an important day to remember nonetheless. As residents of this planet, it’s our responsibility to take care of the Earth we call home. Take some time today to think about your impact on the planet and what your family can do to make your footprint just a little bit smaller.

Julie Scagell
Former Digital Trends Contributor
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
How to care for mums, gorgeous fall blooms
Make your gorgeous flowers bloom well into fall
Close-up of a yellow mum flower

Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are a stunning addition to any home landscaping design or garden, especially during the fall season. Their vibrant colors and unique shapes make them the perfect plant to celebrate autumn’s beauty. However, to enjoy these blooms at their best, it’s essential to understand how to care for mums. Let's walk through chrysanthemum care tips in various settings and seasons.
How to care for mums in pots

Mums are a popular choice for container gardening, offering flexibility in placement and adding beauty to porches, entryways, and even small patio designs. Caring for mums in pots requires a little extra attention compared to mums planted in the ground, but the results are worth the effort.
Plant them properly
Start by selecting a pot with good drainage to avoid root rot. Mums love well-draining soil, so ensure the container has holes at the bottom. When planting mums in pots, use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost or organic matter for better moisture retention.
Light and water requirements
Place the pots in locations that get at least six hours of sunlight daily. Mums are sun-loving plants, so too much shade can result in fewer blooms and weak stems. Watering mums in pots is essential but needs balance. Mums prefer consistently moist soil, so check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry. However, avoid letting the roots sit in soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilize
If your potted mums start to wilt or look tired, they may need a light dose of fertilizer to perk them up. Use a balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks during the blooming season to encourage healthy growth and vibrant flowers.
How to care for mums indoors

Read more
How to clean baseboards: The easiest method ever for this super annoying task
Your home's trim doesn't have to be a dust trap
Clean space with beige walls and white baseboards

A sparkling clean apartment or house creates an environment that gives you pride and peace. While sparkling clean baseboards aren’t the most noticeable feature of a room, dirty, grimy ones will definitely be noticed.

Those strips of wood or molding certainly collect a lot of dust, particularly if you have central or ]baseboard heaters that kick up dust and dirt that sticks to the wood material. It’s definitely a daunting task, but those baseboards need to be thoroughly cleaned on occasion. We’ll walk you through the best and easiest methods for how to clean baseboards so they’re sparkling clean, and stay that way.

Read more
Quartz vs. granite: Is one better?
We'll compare price, durability, aesthetics, and more to help you make the best choice for your space
All-white modern kitchen and dining room

Both quartz and granite countertops share the limelight when it comes to kitchen design. Traditionally, granite has dominated kitchens around America for the past few decades. However, in recent years, quartz has become the trendy go-to. But which is better?

We'll dive into the heated debate of quartz vs. granite countertops, comparing the two so you can make the choice that's best for your home.
What is quartz?

Read more