3 Ideas for Earth Day Celebrations with Your Fellow Plant Lovers

Earth Day offers us all an opportunity to do something extra for the planet. Whether it’s already on your radar or you want to take advantage of the moment to learn more about what you can do to make the environment cleaner and healthier, there are many steps that you can take — both on the holiday itself and beyond that. After all, caring for the planet doesn’t begin and end on a single day.

That’s especially true for plant lovers, who innately know and appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer. Her wonders never cease, and her beauty is real. That’s obvious from the abundant treasures provided daily, whether it’s the roses in bloom in the backyard or the lush plants you send to your loved ones to celebrate special occasions.

Life is simply more beautiful with some of that natural bounty, and it’s well worth taking the time to honor the planet however you can. As a plant enthusiast, that’s naturally ingrained in you anyway — making Earth Day the perfect excuse to do some extra special things for the environment. Here are three ways to celebrate with your fellow plant lovers.

1. Plant a Tree Together

There’s almost nothing more enjoyable than getting to know your garden on a deeper level. That’s especially true if you have some empty space that could use a little update. Planting a tree is a fantastic way to celebrate Earth Day for so many reasons. For starters, they’re beautiful, so they naturally celebrate the wonders of nature in their own way.

But that’s not all that makes trees so special. They’re natural air purifiers, cleaning the air and releasing oxygen to make the environment healthier. What’s more, they shade your property and minimize solar transfer. That contributes to your comfort during the warmest months of the year when you’re more inclined to rely on your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. With more shade comes less heat in the home. You can naturally set your air conditioner to a higher temperature as a result, which will keep your costs down while reducing energy consumption.

Then there’s the aesthetic factor. Trees are available in all shapes and sizes. In a larger yard, you could potentially plant a tree that will one day tower over the home and lend your landscape character. There are also smaller structures that are just right for adding color and personality to a more compact yard.

What’s great about planting a tree is that the entire family — or you and your plant-loving friends — can get involved. Whether you pick a potted tree or a bare root tree that you can plant together, it’s a winning situation all around. The kids can blend the compost and soil, giving them some greater responsibility in the process. That type of involvement also fosters more enthusiasm about plant care, something that will be important for the life of the tree — especially during the first couple of years.

2. Share the Love

You never know who may be a closet plant lover — or someone whose inner plant lover just hasn’t been unleashed yet. Why not take the time on Earth Day to share some packets of seeds? Encourage your fellow plant lovers to do the same! Spreading the love far and wide is such a great way to share more about what makes Earth Day so important, too. Plus, they’re incredibly economical, so you can pick up a handful and share them with as many people as you would like.

Make sure the seeds are non-GMO and free of insecticides, like neonicotinoids, to safeguard the plants and the ground as they grow. What’s especially great about seed packets is that they include the planting directions right on the package, so they’re virtually foolproof. Even people who can’t profess to have a green thumb can make good use of them.

Another bonus is that seeds tend to sprout fairly promptly. There’s little wait time involved, so people will see the fruits of their labor pretty quickly. That’s a big bonus for anyone who is new to nurturing plants or is generally a bit impatient. There’s such a feeling of satisfaction involved in nourishing and caring for plants!

Don’t hesitate to share them with people from all walks of life. Coworkers? Kids? Friends? Family? Everyone is fair game, especially if you know they could use a little enjoyment or stress relief in their life. Growing something from seed is both satisfying and relaxing.

3. Grow Some Food

There are so many environmental benefits associated with growing your own food. It can be a challenge to make that transition from purchasing packaged goods to harvesting your own, of course — but if you’re truly committed to Mother Earth, there can be almost no more long-term effective way to make a change.

The benefits are almost countless. When you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting those same foods from farms to stores throughout the area. Given that shipments often come from across state lines, that can amount to a considerable reduction in harmful emissions over time — and every little bit counts.

You’ll also develop a newfound appreciation for your food. Growing ingredients from scratch is a humbling activity, and you’ll soon find just how easy and enjoyable it is to nurture them in your yard. You don’t even have to make a big commitment — starting small with some seeds or herbs is the best way to get a feel for this activity and slowly grow accustomed to it.

Once you see how straightforward it is to grow mint or rosemary, for example, you might be inspired to start your vegetable garden. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, spinach, cucumber, radish, beans, brussels sprouts, zucchini, and turnips are just some of the many bountiful vegetables you can grow. Starting the project with your fellow plant lovers can also help you from an accountability perspective. If you ever find yourself slacking, or your friends want a little extra motivation to keep going, you'll always know that you have one another for that boost.

Ultimately, Earth Day is a chance to learn more about the difference that a single person can make — and use that information to cultivate an eco-friendlier lifestyle that extends well beyond a single holiday. That might mean going through your home and finding pieces you can upcycle for better use, renewing your commitment to recycling on a regular basis, or developing ways to conserve more energy in your home. Whatever you choose to do, do it with intention. You’ll feel good knowing that you’re making a continuous difference.