This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement, commemorated annually as Earth Day. Since 1970, billions of individuals from more than 190 countries worldwide have come together every April 22nd to take action toward a greener, more equitable future for our planet.
Earth Day is an annual reminder that regardless of where you are or what you do, we each have the power to be stewards of the earth. To protect our planet, we must invest in it.
Given this year’s theme, “Invest in Our Planet”, which highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources, and energy to solving the climate crisis, here are 10 ways you can actively participate in Earth Day 2023:
1. Buy less and keep your clothes for longer
With fast fashion being a dominant presence in many of our lives, we have begun to believe that we need to buy new clothes all the time. This results in many clothes being thrown away within a year. Inevitably, this puts pressure on resources, pollutes the environment, creates waste, and increases global carbon emissions. By using and keeping your clothing for longer, your use increases and your clothing purchases decrease, which reduces your carbon footprint whilst saving money in the long run.
You know how the saying goes, “The most sustainable garment is the one you already own.” So, we all need to learn how to care for our clothes and make them last. Here is a guide on where to begin.
2. Follow the ethos of “less is more” when it comes to skincare and beauty products
The skincare and beauty industry is notorious for constantly trying to convince us that we need more products than we can realistically use. Consciously cutting back and finding multi-purpose products will help you generate less waste. To learn more about the benefits of skin minimalism and how to cut back on your skincare routine, click here.
3. Commit to reducing your meat consumption
Even if it’s by a few meals per week. According to the report titled ‘1.5-Degree Lifestyles: Towards A Fair Consumption Space for All’, meat in South Africa contributes heavily to the food footprint (72%), due to the relatively high share of beef (30%) of the total meat consumption and notably carbon intensive livestock farming compared to other countries.
4. Learn to ferment and preserve
Preserving vegetables so they can be eaten at any time of the year is an ancient art. Fermentation and pickling can reduce waste and transform fresh, seasonal produce into delicious and nutritious staples you can enjoy all year round. Follow Zayaan Khan for fermentation tips, tricks, and inspiration.
5. Create a pollinator-friendly garden
Pollinators play a vital role in our natural ecosystems and we can plant certain things that encourage pollinators to continue their work. Take a look at this Botanical Society guide on how to create a pollinator-friendly garden in South Africa.
6. Limit your reliance on petrol-intensive vehicles
You can do this by carpooling, walking, or using public transport when you can. While we have all become used to lifestyles that are motivated by convenience, convenience is not always the most eco-friendly choice. Try to be aware of your reliance on cars and choose alternative forms of mobility if you can.
7. Repair and recycle your tech
Modern technology is often designed with planned obsolescence, so finding ways to keep your tech for longer is an act of resistance in this system that encourages disposability. Once you have repaired and cared for your tech for as long as you can and it has finally given in, make sure to dispose of it responsibly.
8. Start a home recycling system
This is one of the first steps you can take to minimize your household waste. For an easy guide on what you can and can’t recycle, click here.
9. Create eco-bricks
There are still loads of soft plastics that are not recyclable. But, the good news is that you can turn them into eco-bricks by stuffing these non-recyclables into two-litre plastic bottles. Eco-bricks can be used to build anything from park benches to small structures. To learn how to make an eco-brick, follow this guide.
10. Travel local
Embrace the beauty on your doorstep. There are so many beautiful places to travel locally. Instead of always aspiring to travel overseas, plan a local trip or two to immerse yourself in the beauty of our local places and spaces. Check out these guides for the best South African eco-tourism destinations and eco-hotel recommendations.
- Cover image: Photo by Luis Del Río on Pexels
