Happy Earth Day! This year’s theme is Invest in Our Planet. The call to action is for all businesses, governments and citizens to demonstrate courage and accountability, and take action. If you’re looking for Earth Day activities, today’s post is a roundup of ways to learn more about the environmental crisis facing our beautiful planet Earth.

The news on climate change continues to get worse. We are nearing the point of no return. If we don’t act now, we won’t have an Earth to protect.

What will it take to get people to wake up and do what needs to be done? I’m reminded of this quote from last year’s Earth Day post which featured a poem by my friend Pat Keachie.

And what will we leave
To the ones who succeed us
Will they cherish or grieve
For our Planet?
It’s up to us.

“Every Day Is Earth Day”, Pat Bell Keachie

It really is up to us. Every single one of us needs to be accountable for the state of our planet. Shifting blame to others will not solve the problem. If the devastating wildfires and extreme weather events of the last few years aren’t enough to convince us, what will it take?

If you’re looking for Earth Day activities, here are some things you can watch, read and do today to learn more.

Things to watch

There are many excellent documentaries out there on environmental issues. Here are three that I’d recommend. You can find them on Netflix.

A Life On Our Planet

Sir David Attenborough has seen a lot of change in his 95 years on Earth. In this eye-opening documentary, he looks at the impacts of human behaviour on our planet and what we can do to reverse the damage we’ve done.

Down to Earth

This series features Zac Effron—of High School Musical fame. It’s an inspiring look at how our actions make a difference. Zac travels the globe exploring unique examples of sustainability and conservation.

Our Planet

David Attenborough is back in an 8-episode series that looks at how climate change is affecting various ecosystems around the globe, and the wildlife those ecosystems support. The series also looks at nature’s incredible ability to regenerate itself when humans leave it to do so. If you love wildlife, you will enjoy this series.  

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Things to read

I started this blog because I care about our planet. Over the last three years, I’ve shared many tips and thoughts about environmental issues that concern me. Here are some of my favourite posts on important issues where we can all adopt simple changes to make a difference:

• Giving up meat won’t save the Earth…but it might help looks at the impact of eating meat on the environment.
• World Ocean Day—5 ways you can save our seas discusses the crisis in our oceans and five easy actions you can take to help.
• Despite our homes being more energy efficient, we’re still using more energy. Check out 20 home energy saving tips to find ways to save money and reduce your impact.
• How we invest our savings sends a message to businesses. What’s the big deal about sustainable investing explains the basics of green investing.
• Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are all the rage. Learn about their environmental cost in this post.
• The fashion industry is responsible for over 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about the high cost of cheap clothing in Why it’s time to ditch fast fashion.
• Don’t be fooled by greenwashing looks at ways to avoid being duped by false marketing tactics.
• The shocking truth about microplastics explains why microplastics are a problem we all need to be worried about.
• Food loss and waste account for just under 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. Find out what you can do in 12 practical ways you can cut food waste.

Things to do

Every one of us can make a difference with our actions—no matter how small they seem. Here are some things you can do today.

• Do the Earth Day quizzes on the Earth Day website and share what you learn with friends and family.
• Enjoy a plant-based meal.
• Make your voice heard with businesses and governments who aren’t doing the right thing to end the environmental crisis.
• Participate in an Earth Day event in your area.  
• Join a local cleanup project.

Visit EarthDay.org for more ideas on how you can act.

We can’t afford to wait any longer to address our environmental crisis. Our health, our families and our livelihoods depend on us taking immediate action.

What Earth Day activities do you have planned? Tell me your ideas below