Ways to Celebrate Earth Day 2021

Earth Day began in 1970 to increase the awareness of our impact on the environment and to help us learn how to be more environmentally conscientious. It is celebrated around the world, by over 190 countries and has helped to mobilize over one billion people to take part in protecting our planet and essential natural resources, like clean water. You can learn more about the history of Earth Day here. 

At Aquasana, we believe clean water and a healthy environment are the most important components to healthy living and overall well-being. Our sole focus is providing best-in-class water filtration products so every home can enjoy great-tasting, healthy water. Our goals go hand in hand with the goals of Earth Day so that’s why we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of ways to celebrate Earth Day 2021, whether it’s virtually, socially distant, or in your own backyard!

Celebrating Earth Day During COVID-19

Our first Annual Water Quality Survey found the vast majority of people (76%, to be exact) consider the environment extremely or very important. So we know people are highly motivated to do their part to take care of our planet. 

Although celebrating Earth Day with a large group of friends or fellow volunteers is a little more difficult this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still plenty of ways to stay safe and get involved. Whether you are planning to stay at home or want to help your local community, we have created a roundup of COVID-friendly Earth Day activities.

Clean Up Your Neighborhood

One of the most direct ways to make a positive impact on Earth Day is to get out there and clean up your neighborhood. With a proper mask, social distancing, and the right tools, you can safely pick up trash in your neighborhood. Picking up litter in your neighborhood not only makes it look nice and clean, it can also help to protect local wildlife and ecosystems. You can even recruit a few friends or family to help. Cleaning up your local area is also a great way to set an example for others. Look out for clean up events in your neighborhood or start your own!

Neighborhood Cleanup Tool Checklist

• Proper mask (preferably reusable)
• Bucket and/or bag
• Comfortable shoes
• Grabber arm or litter stick
• Hand sanitizer
• Eco-friendly water bottle to stay hydrated

Donate To Environmental Causes

For those that are unable to leave the house because of COVID or simply don’t have time, donating to an environmental cause can be the perfect way to lend your support to Earth Day. You can donate directly to the official Earth Day organization or find a related cause that you are most passionate about.

Earth Day Donation Suggestions

• Earth Day Official Site to go straight to the source
• Oceana, Ocean Conservancy, or Well Aware are great choices if you are passionate about water, like us as Aquasana 
• Use a service like Charity Navigator to find the perfect environmental charity near you

Make An Earth Day Resolution

If you don’t have time to volunteer or have extra money to donate, you can still help to celebrate Earth Day by making an Earth Day resolution. Whether you pledge to cut down on water consumption, use less plastic, reduce energy consumption, or something else, every little bit can help when it comes to protecting our environment, wildlife, and natural resources.

Earth Day Resolutions and Activities

• Limit your shower time to less than 8 minutes
• Only use reusable bags for shopping
• Don’t leave the faucet running
• Limit disposable water bottles and replace them with reusable bottles
• Turn off electronics and lights when you aren’t using them
• Reduce meat consumption, especially meats like beef that can produce a lot of methane
• Walk or ride a bike instead of driving a car
• Carpool to reduce emissions and gas consumption
• Recycle more
• Repair instead of replace
• Start a composting pile

Earth Day 2021 Events

If you're looking for ways to safely interact with others on Earth Day 2021, we've also compiled a list of amazing virtual and socially distanced events happening across the U.S. Find an event that aligns with your environmental goals and reach out to see how you can help!

Get Involved with a Local Organization

Be a part of an organization that is changing the world, like Well Aware. From volunteering, to donating, to helping bring awareness to water scarcity, you can get involved in a big way or a small way. Learn more about Well Aware here.

Keep America Beautiful

A leading national nonprofit, Keep America Beautiful inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Keep America Beautiful partners with the Earth Day Network. Earth Day falls during their Great American Cleanup®, which is the nation’s largest community improvement program. For volunteers, they are directing individuals to their volunteer portal to sign up as a volunteer and find local events.

The Broke Backpacker

This organization works to clean up local beaches and water sources. Visit The Broke Backpacker website to learn more about this travel organization.

Enotrias

Enotrias will be doing a biodynamic virtual wine tasting event for Earth Day this year. They'll talk about biodynamics as they compare to organics, winemakers using sustainability practices in all levels of winemaking from the vineyards to the corks, and what to do with empty wine bottles. People can sign up through their website. The event will take place at 5pm PST over Zoom. There will be a link provided to order the wines after signing up.