There are plenty of ways you can celebrate Earth Month and Earth Day throughout April – no matter where you live. The best part? Most of these won’t cost you a penny!
This year’s Earth Day 2026 theme of “Our Power, Our Planet” reminds us that environmental progress is powered by everyday community action.
From going meat-free to supporting reforestation starting a compost heap, there are plenty of ways you can live that idea throughout April – no matter where you live. The best part? Most of these won’t cost you a penny!
Get outside and explore!
Climb a tree
You don’t have to be a kid to climb trees, but you may need to channel your inner child for a little while (and be willing to look a little silly). Remember a few key safety points: find a tree with low branches and access points, test every branch to make sure it’s alive before resting your full weight on it, and resist the impulse to climb to the top, as higher branches tend to be younger (and more fragile). Just take your time and keep close to the trunk (where the branches are sturdiest) and you should be fine. Once you get comfortable, sit back and enjoy the view!
Go geocaching
If you love nature + adventures but haven’t tried geocaching, what are you waiting for? Download the official geocache app, and hiking will never be the same (sorry not sorry!). With varying difficulty levels, this is a great activity for all ages: some geocaches are in big containers and easy to find spots, while others are so tiny they require a seriously good eye to catch. Be sure to carry a few small treasures you won’t mind leaving behind, and record your name on the included list to let other “cachers” know you’ve been by!
Go on a mushroom walk
Mushrooms are incredible, and there’s much more to them than meets the eye. The part we think of as the mushroom is called the “fruiting body”. Beneath the soil surface, mushrooms have intricate mycelium networks that can stretch for miles. Feeling intrigued? Mycologists love nerding out about their favourite subject, so sign up for a mushroom walk near you. Prepare to have your socks knocked off when you learn about all the mushroom varieties that are growing around you!
Learn how to ID trees
If you’re like us and LOVE trees, you may already be pretty good at identifying your favourite tree species. If not, pick up a local tree ID guide and see if you can identify the trees around your yard or along your favourite trail. Trees are most commonly identified by their bark, leaves, and buds. It’s helpful to be proficient in all three points of identification so you’ll be able to confidently ID throughout the year. If you’d prefer to learn in-person, sign yourself up for a tree ID walk with your local conservation organization.
Break out the binoculars
Grab binoculars and a local birding guide (or the Merlin app!) and head outside for some good old fashioned bird watching. See what species you can identify based on their songs, physical features, and activities. You might be surprised to learn what your feathered neighbours are up to.
Try forest bathing
From towering evergreens to meandering streams, nature is there for us to lean on — we just have to open ourselves up to it. Forest bathing has many proven health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and strengthening your immune system. Plus, it’s as simple as it gets: all you need is trees and time. So head to a forested area and take it all in. Keep in mind: the more natural the setting the better, as it will offer up more for your senses.
Go stargazing
Next time there’s a cloud-free night, grab a few blankets and a thermos filled with hot chocolate or tea, and snuggle up under the stars. Test your knowledge with a stargazer app, or just lay back and gaze upon the infinite mystery of the galaxies. We firmly believe the world would be a better place if more people stopped to look at the stars every once in a while.
Tour your local waterfalls
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with natural waterfalls, act like a tourist and take a local waterfall tour. What does this mean? Make yourself an itinerary and plan to hit at least three waterfalls within an hour drive from your home. Pack a picnic basket with tasty food and beverages, and make sure to have your phone or camera ready for epic waterfall shots!
Take action for the planet
Make the switch to a plant-based diet
Choosing a plant-based diet during Earth Month is one of the most effective actions to combat climate change, as it can reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 73%. Not sure where to start? 10 Weeks to Vegan offers great support on your plant-based journey, as does Veganuary (they even offer a free celebrity cookbook!)
Clean up your environment
Nothing says Earth Day like cleaning up trash at local parks or community areas. And with the right group, it can be fun! So volunteer for a clean-up, make sure you are properly attired (yard clothes, sun protection, thick gloves, and a sturdy pair of boots), and get picking! No events near you? Start your own! Invite your friends and family to join you for a rewarding day that ends with a potluck or pizza party (plant-based of course!) to celebrate all that hard work.
Pull invasive species
Reach out to your local environmental organization to learn what species are invasive to your area, and how to properly ID them. You may also be able to join an organized invasive species pull to get some experience under your belt. While this sounds suspiciously like manual labour, there’s an odd satisfaction to be found in yanking invasive species out of the ground – especially knowing you’ve reduced the competition pressure on native trees and shrubs that local wildlife depends on.
Befriend your local pollinators
Support your local environment by planting native, pollinator-friendly flowers and herbs – either in containers on your balcony or directly in the ground in your backyard. The birds and the bees will thank you!
Harvest the rain
Depending on your local ordinances and rainfall, you may be able to collect rain to help water your garden. You can either purchase one that’s made with eco-friendly materials or go the DIY route and retrofit an old, clean barrel or garbage can with a lid, a spigot and a downspout. It may take a little effort to set up, but it’ll be worth it over the long term!
Get your compost on
Depending on where you are, if the ground is thawed, it’s the perfect time to set up a compost pile. Want step by step directions on how to start composting? Check out this free composting guide!
Start vegetable gardening
Whether you’re direct sowing seeds or purchasing veggie and herb starts, there’s nothing quite like getting your hands in the dirt to feel connected to the earth. And the organic fruits, veggies and herbs you’ll get out of the deal are pretty great, too. Don’t have land to work? That’s okay! Just a few pots on your patio, balcony, or in a sunny window can yield a surprising amount of delicious food. Got kids? Gardening is a great way to teach them food autonomy and foster a connection with the land.
Brighten up the scenery with seed bombs!
With native plants, that is! Seed bombs (or seed balls) are simple to make and oh so fun to disperse. Just make sure the seeds are native and appropriate to plant where you spread them.
Dry your clothes outside
Spring has sprung! Temperatures are rising and the sun’s rays are getting warmer, so there’s no better time to line dry your clothes and get that fresh air dried scent! Why bother? According to a recent study by the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, “Collectively, dryers cost more than $7 billion to power each year in [the U.S.], and generating that energy emits the equivalent of more than 27 million tons of carbon dioxide.”
Leap into spring cleaning!
With warmer weather comes renewed energy and a desire for a fresh start. For many of us, that means organizing and deep cleaning our living spaces, taking stock of our physical environment, and making adjustments that can help us feel less encumbered in our day to day lives. In other words: it’s time for some good old fashioned spring cleaning!
Support your local vegetable farmer
Visit a local farmers’ market, join a CSA or sign up for a local produce delivery service. Not only will you be supporting growers in your area, but buying local avoids fossil-fuel intensive transport by air, land and sea. We guarantee the food will also be fresher, tastier, more sustainable, and way more nutritious. Bonus: by supporting local farmers, you’ll funnel dollars back into your local economy, which benefits you and your community.
Raise awareness about environmental issues
Use your voice and platforms to share your love for the Earth, the environment and trees. Let people know what actions you are taking to protect our planet – and why it matters.
Get active in nature
Dust off your bike
Haul your bike out of storage for some springtime adventures! If you have a local rail trail, awesome. If not, hit up designated mountain biking trails to take in your local environment in a different way. Just don’t forget that helmet! Mountain biking requires balance, agility and a good sense of humor when (not if) you hit rocks, roots and other impediments not found on paved bike trails. We think it’s worth it, though.
Do some outdoor yoga
Gather a few friends or head outdoors on your own for a solo yoga session. Roll out your mat on a flat, tick-free spot and let your senses guide you through whatever poses feel right. This is a great opportunity to concentrate on mind-body wellness while connecting with the great outdoors. Bonus points if you can get to a local beach at sunrise or sunset for some nature-guided sun-moon yoga!
Break out the kayak
If your local lake or river is no longer frozen, then there’s no time like the present to get out there and start paddling! Even if the water is too cold for swimming, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the scenery from your boat! Just be sure to follow basic safety measures: check for any safety alerts, inform someone of your plans, wear a life vest, apply plenty of sunscreen and pack plenty of snacks and drinks if you’re planning to be out for a while.
Toss a ball
Sometimes the simplest things mean the most, and playing a game of catch is no exception. Whether with a canine or human companion (or both at the same time!), it’s a great way to get everyone outside and enjoying the springtime weather. If you don’t come inside with an ear-to-ear grin, you probably need to spend more time playing!
Build a simple rock cairn
This one is as simple as it gets, but it’s a great way to relax your mind by working with your hands and focusing on one element of your surrounding environment. Just find some flat-ish rocks and stack them as high as you can. Leave it when you go so others can appreciate your handiwork or even add to it!
Get your om on!
Head to a quiet spot and find yourself a comfortable place to sit (bring a blanket and your meditation cushion if you need to). Settle into a comfortable position (you could even lay down) to meditate on the sounds and scents of nature. Breathe in the healing energy and vibrations of the natural world, and breathe out anything that’s weighing on you. Do this for as long as you’d like – even just 5 minutes of meditation can do wonders for your state of mind.
Have an eco-picnic
Pack a healthy meal prepared with plant-based and local ingredients, a bottle of organic vegan wine and reusable dinnerware, and head to your favourite nature spot for a lovely springtime meal. Spring is a great time to picnic, especially if you can do it before the biting insects come out in full force. Listen closely to the sounds of nature and soak up all the energizing spring vibes.
Get creative outdoors
Make a flower wreath or crown
Channel your inner woodland creature and gather up natural materials that catch your eye, like fallen twigs, leaves, and flowers. Once you’ve collected a good sized pile, string or braid everything together to create a crown that would make Galadriel proud. To craft a sturdier piece, build a frame using a vine or metal circlet if you have one. And hey, if this inspires an inpromptou photoshoot? Well, we won’t judge!
Make an acorn whistle
If you were a boy scout or girl scout, you may already know this tip, but it’s a great party trick—and even survival tool if you need to signal for help. So first things first: find an oak tree and collect a few acorn caps (typically cast aside by squirrels after they consume the nuts). Make a V with your thumbs and hold the cap in your hands (with the top rim of it positioned in the middle of the V). Put your top lip on your thumb nails and your bottom lip below your thumb knuckles, and blow! You may have to adjust your hold and angle to get it right, but you should end up with a surprisingly loud, high-pitched whistle.
Rock painting
Head outdoors and gather a few rocks that have smooth surfaces (they’ll be easier to paint). Canvas secured, set yourself up with nontoxic paints and have fun painting words, faces, patterns, or anything else you can think of. The world is truly your oyster here, so have fun with it! Want to share your art with the world? Leave your painted creations in places where others will find them, like well-travelled hiking trails, near the beach, around your city or town, or on a friend’s patio to brighten their day.
Make a nature mandala
Head outside to your yard, local park, forest or beach and gather fallen twigs, leaves, pebbles, shells, blooms, and anything else that catches your eye. When you’ve collected a nice cache of stuff, create a beautiful nature mandala to relax your mind and delight your senses. You’ll know when you’re done. And don’t forget: it should be fun, not perfect!
Build a fairy house
This activity is great for kids, but there’s nothing preventing you from doing it, too! Spring is the perfect time to indulge in whimsical fun, so channel your inner woodland fairy and collect twigs, stones, moss, pinecones, and any other fallen materials you find to create a sweet fairy house that surely will make you (and everyone else) smile.
Try out macro photography
Hone your macro photography skills and take note of the tiny details that comprise the world around you. When seen up close, everything from a tuft of moss to an ephemeral violet bloom can spark your imagination and inspire a sense of wonder. As they say, it’s the little things!
Plan a scavenger hunt
The verdict is in: scavenger hunts are great fun for adults and kids alike. Take the traditional route and hide objects in the woods or host your own mini bioblitz! The person who correctly identifies the most plants wins bragging rights and a fun eco prize. It’s a great way to get everyone outside — and a little healthy competition never hurt anyone!
Gather and celebrate!
Host a farm to table dinner
Showcase the bounty of local farms with a spring-themed farm-to-table dinner in your backyard! Have everyone dress up a little bit, bring out a folding table, and set it as if you’re a fine dining restaurant. Your family and friends will surely appreciate the chance to get dressed up and enjoy a uniquely delicious, sustainable meal in the great outdoors.
Have a backyard movie night
Rent or borrow a projector to bring the latest movies to a backyard near you! Invite a few friends, and make it extra special for any kid (and let’s be real, adults too!) with cozy seating, popcorn, candy, and other favourite snacks.
Pitch a tent
Even if just in your own backyard, a night spent sleeping under the stars can do wonders for your mood and outlook. So find a quiet spot, grab whatever you need to be comfortable, and enjoy a restorative night in the great outdoors.
Original source: https://onetreeplanted.org
https://www.animalagricultureclimatechange.org/earth-day-honour/
