Earth Day

Earth Day Actions to Build Back Better

April 22, 2020

This Earth Day, April 22 is unlike any other. In the year 2020, we are celebrating 50 years of love and recognition for the planet we live on. This year, we also have a unique opportunity to Build Back Better. We are empowered to create the world we want to live in -- a world where all plants, animals, current and future human beings can not just live, but thrive for the next 100 years and beyond. To Build Back Better starts with you and even small, individual actions add up quickly when we do them together. Try a few of these impactful actions this Earth Day, April 22 (or every day) and let’s start building!

Deepen Your Appreciation for Nature

  • Become a quick and easy citizen scientist with cell phone apps like iNaturalist.
  • Go cloud watching - pick a shady spot and let your imagination go.
  • Hunt for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees on spring blooms - take a picture when you find one!

  • Take a stroll in nature and consider how it contributes to your well-being.

  • Virtually explore some of our National Parks or the ASU Arboretum and of course, visit in-person when you can.

 

Build Your Community

  • Consider giving back to your community and helping those in need. Join ASU in our efforts.

  • Come together with your neighbors on Facebook or Nextdoor to share resources, help each other or just to hang out.

  • Donate food to a local food bank.

  • Join us for an Earth-themed Netflix viewing party on April 23 and April 24. You can even start your own!

  • Purchase from small businesses in your local community or a CSA for produce. This strengthens your local economy, builds community and is more sustainable!

  • Share your Earth Day thoughts, feelings or tips on social media - tag us!

 

Think, “Waste Not, Want Not” 

  • Install a programmable thermostat and sign up for your utility's conservation programs. 

  • Reduce your trips to the store, including e-commerce sites.

  • See how you can contribute to ASU’s Zero Waste Goals or learn about waste streams and recycling at ASU.

  • Take a shorter shower, try five minutes or less.

  • Try having a Zero Waste Day or Week 

    • Avoid single-use, disposable products when you can.
    • Focus on the areas of your life where you might be making the most waste.
    • Look for alternative, package-free hygiene and beauty products (while practicing current health guidelines).
    • Start a small compost bin for your kitchen scraps - your city might have a composting program!
    • Use and reuse aluminum or beeswax wrap products instead of plastic wrap.

  • Wash clothes in cold water to conserve natural resources.

 

Strengthen Personal Wellness - THRIVE

  • Learn something new about the Earth and test your knowledge at the Fire and Ice virtual exhibit from the ASU Library.

  • Make sure to spend some quality time outdoors, do something you love!

  • Plant a garden, big or small, indoors or outdoors.
  • Practice mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises for stress relief.

  • Stretch, stand, bike, walk, hike, do yoga or try some strength exercises each day.

  • Try to eat mainly whole, unprocessed foods - visit a farmer’s market near you or attend a Borderlands Produce Rescue P.O.W.W.O.W.

 

Care for Our Climate

  • Research modern climate issues and potential solutions, share what you learned with others.

  • See if teleworking or online classes are opportunities you can take advantage of permanently, to decrease commuting.