Happy Earth Day, Frugal and Thrivers! Today we are celebrating our precious planet and doing our part to leave this world a better place than how we found it. Mother Earth needs our help and every little bit counts! See our list below of ways you can show your appreciation for nature and help save our planet.
Around the House
Recycle: Recycle, recycle, recycle! One of the best ways to help our planet is by recycling. Check your town or city’s recycling policies and procedures and then start separating your cardboard, paper, plastic, and glass from your regular trash.
Use reusable food storage bags: Forget single-use plastic food storage bags and opt for reusable storage bags instead. With all different shapes, sizes, and colors available, you can take your food to go and store your leftovers sans guilt and in style!
Use reusable shopping bags: And while you’re ditching the plastic bags, start shopping with eco-friendly reusable tote bags, too! Keep some in your car so you always have a few handy for those surprise last-minute shopping trips.
Shop smart: Organic foods without overpaying? Yes please. Thrive Market offers organic groceries (plus home and beauty products) from top brands for up to 30% off. Plus, their free carbon neutral shipping delivers your orders right to your doorstep!
Eat plant-based: Eating just one plant-based meal a week can make a huge difference. Get the family onboard for Meatless Mondays…grab a vegan cookbook if you need some plant-based meal inspiration!
Use earth-friendly cleaning products: Go green when you clean! Using earth-friendly cleaning products is not only good for the planet, it’s good for you, too! Check out top brands like Seventh Generation and Ecos.
Clean beauty: Clean beauty products use clean ingredients (meaning non-toxic) and transparent labels (meaning the brand makes an effort to list all product ingredients and label accordingly). A clean beauty product avoids the use of harmful and toxic ingredients. Good for your skin, good for the earth.
Wear sustainable clothing: Support the greater good of the planet by wearing sustainable clothing from brands like TOMS, pact, and tentree. If you aren’t ready to commit to making your wardrobe entirely eco-friendly, a safe bet is to stick with clothing made from natural fabrics…think cotton and linen.
Upcycle/donate old clothes: Old and outdated clothes, toys, and household items can be upcycled into something new or donated to those in need. Get rid of clutter and help our planet – it’s a win-win.
Outdoors
Spend time outdoors: Spending time outdoors, even for just a few minutes a day, is great for your body, mind, and soul, and will also help you develop an appreciation for nature.
DIY birdfeeders: Make a DIY birdfeeder and give your feathered friends a delicious snack. Watch them come back time and time again and learn a little more about these beautiful creatures.
Walk/bike when possible: If you live in a walkable area, walk or bike instead of driving when you run errands, meet a friend for coffee, or pick the kids up from school…especially as the weather gets warmer! It’s the perfect way to sneak in some exercise, get a little fresh air, and cut down on your carbon footprint.
Outdoor cleanup day: Organize an outdoor cleanup day with your family, friends, or community! All you need are some trash bags and gloves. Find any park or wilderness area nearby and spend a few hours making it a little more pristine.
Vegetable garden: Start your own vegetable garden so you can save money, get in touch with nature, and always have fresh, delicious food at your fingertips! It’s easier than you think. See our post for tips on how to grow your own veggies.
Plant a tree: And if an entire garden is a little too much of a commitment, then plant a tree and watch it grow year after year. Plant one every Earth Day and help make this world cleaner, brighter, and better for everyone.
For all things earth-friendly, check out Zulily’s Sustainability Shop!!
Thanks for reading! Which of these Earth Day activities are you doing to help our planet? Let us know xo.
[…] sure to check out last year’s Earth Day post for more ideas and […]