5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

On April 22, 2025, Earth Day will turn 55 years old — a timely reminder for us all to live sustainably and protect our planet. Here are 5 actions you can take on Earth Day or any other day to make a positive impact on the planet:

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Do Some Gardening

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This Earth Day, consider celebrating by taking up gardening — a powerful way to connect with nature while benefiting your mental well-being. Research shows that spending time in the garden can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve focus, and boost overall life satisfaction. Whether you're creating a beautiful patio garden, growing your own herbs, or cultivating vegetables, gardening provides tangible rewards that boost self-esteem and create a sense of accomplishment. If you're already into gardening, consider adding native plants to your garden. They're low-maintenance, adapted to local conditions, and great for supporting local wildlife.

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Spend Time in Nature

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Walking in nature significantly improves physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Green spaces like urban parks and forests help reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels. You don't need to plan an elaborate hiking expedition — your local urban park is perfect for a rejuvenating stroll. These nature breaks can provide a sense of optimism and peace. To find the nearest green space, simply check your city's ParkScore. For those seeking more adventure, consider exploring a nearby national park. The calming sights, sounds, and smells of nature will help you feel more connected and content during your Earth Day celebration. For an even deeper experience, consider going offline for the entire day.

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Read a Climate Book

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Reading is another meaningful way to engage with environmental issues this Earth Day. For those who enjoy fiction, explore the emerging "Cli-Fi" (Climate Fiction) genre, where climate change plays a central role in storytelling. Discover compelling narratives in these 9 Top Climate Fiction Books. If you're looking to introduce environmental awareness to young minds, consider these engaging climate books for kids that make complex topics accessible and inspiring for children.

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Make an Impact Through Volunteering

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Volunteering is a hands-on way to celebrate Earth Day while making a real difference in your community. You can join or organize a local cleanup event to remove litter from parks, beaches, or waterways — many cities coordinate Earth Day cleanups that welcome participants. Tree planting is another impactful way to contribute, helping to fight climate change and boost local biodiversity. Local conservation groups often host planting events where you'll learn proper techniques. If you enjoy working with children, consider volunteering with environmental education programs or nature-focused youth organizations that teach kids about ecology, conservation, and sustainability through hands-on activities.

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Explore Sustainable Brands

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Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to explore sustainable brands and save your favorites. At Commons, we make it simple to find sustainable brands, helping you avoid greenwashing and discover products that align with your values. We evaluate brands based on their contributions to a sustainable economy, with our carbon experts analyzing public reports and information to provide comprehensive ratings and summaries. Join Commons today to earn rewards on thousands of climate-friendly purchases — everything from sustainable fashion to public transit.

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Join a Climate Commons

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Whether local or online, community support can help you stay active and optimistic year-round. If you're looking for a way to stay on top of your sustainability efforts with a community, Commons is it. Join 100,000 people in the U.S. and Canada who use the Commons app to discover sustainable alternatives to unsustainable brands, earn rewards for sustainable living, and see the power of collective action firsthand.

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