Earth Day is coming up on Saturday, April 22, 2023. But please, do the earth a favor: Don’t celebrate it!
Or if you want to celebrate earth day, at least don’t celebrate it the way the merchants are suggesting, by driving all over town buying their “eco-friendly” products. Instead, stay home and buy nothing; it is better for the environment, as well as your finances!
Frugal, Green Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
Here are some frugal AND green suggestions to enjoy on Earth Day or any other day of your choosing:
Instead of buying eco-friendly paper napkins and paper towels, use cloth napkins and towels.
You don’t need to buy eco-friendly cleaning products when you can make your own dishwasher detergent, glass cleaner, and laundry detergent. You can make just about anything you need with Borax, Washing Soda, and Vinegar.
Start a garden. You can not get any more local than your own backyard. You also don’t have to wonder what the term “organic” means when you are eating your own produce. Instead of throwing away kitchen scraps, use them in a compost pile.
Make something from scratch. Recyclable packaging is nice, no packaging or reusable packaging is better.
Repair something. In most cases, it is better for the environment and your pocketbook, to repair a broken item, rather than throw it away and buy a new version. When my washing machine broke, I was able to fix it myself by following the steps on an appliance help board and it cost me less than $30.00 for the replacement part.
If you feel you must go out, here are a few frugal, eco-friendly suggestions:
Visit the Library. Even if you think you want to buy a book, why not read it first and make sure it is worthy of adding to your personal collection? Many libraries also loan DVDs, Books on Tape, and CDs.
Shop at a Thrift Store, Purchasing a used item, even if it was not made of organic cotton or renewable bamboo is better for the environment than buying a new item.
My personal favorite: Turn off the electronics and instead go for a walk or bike ride.
More Earth Day Activities
7 Earth Day Activities for Kids
20 Kid-Friendly Earth Day Activities to Enjoy All Year
Am I the only one who finds it ironic that we are being encouraged to drive all over town and buy stuff on Earth Day?
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
Excellent post, Alea, with some wonderful advice and tips. ! It is ironic we get encouraged to buy more stuff on earth day!
Judy@Savoring Today says
Great ideas, Alea! Definitely worthy of reposting.
Kristi says
Love this post!
Annie says
I did all of these things today, right down to using identical cranberry colored napkins…LOL!
I didn’t drive anywhere today. Shane had to drive 2.5 hours to work out of town this afternoon, but he did carpool with a coworker instead of taking our vehicle.
Melissa says
Great ideas. Some of the Earth Day promotions just left me shaking my head … like the one that offered a free reusable shopping bag if you purchased a 24-pack of bottled water.
Richa@HobbyandMore says
This is a great post Alea! Its so easy to get sucked into all the “celebration” for the name of sake of celebration, when simple ideas are the ones which are the best!
RobbieKay says
No, you are not the only one! I found myself thinking this year that Earth Day has almost become as commercialized as Christmas and Easter!
Struggler says
You make a great point!
Some of my favorite weekend activities include going for a run, walking to the library, and napping; I suspect they all count as green past-times…
Alea says
Thanks for the laugh Rebecca! I will return the favor. Here is a link to the funniest Eart Day post I read today:
Rebecca says
Wow, Alea! Your fans came out in full force today singing your praises for your great Earth Day suggestions!
Now I need to go unpack my groceries from my plastic bags and while my son mows the lawn and my daughter sprays weed killer. My husband is making his 30-mile commute in a Hummer and then we're going to have pre-packaged meals for supper, using our plastic forks and spoons.
JUST KIDDING!
Sherry says
Great post for Earth Day! 😀
Have a great day!
Sherry
Jenni says
Great Post!! All so true and no, you're not the only one who is rolling her eyes at the 'encouragement' to go and 'buy' something eco friendly.
Kim says
Great post Alea!
Raising Z says
Great post! It is our plan to stay in and plant some seeds and make some organic apple cake to celebrate not only Earth Day but my daughters 6 month mark. Not that she can eat the cake but she will be dining on rice cereal (her first solids). I have been wanting to make my own laundry soap for awhile now (I make my own cleaners)….I think I should just try it. Thanks for the post 🙂
Judy says
Thank you! It has been driving me absolutely bonkers how ridiculous all this Earth day advertising is.
If stores really want to celebrate Earth day, close for the day so they're not wasting electricity. I know that's impractical, but there are definitely better ways to celebrate our earth!
Penniless Parenting says
Great ways to celebrate earth day! I do think it is funny that consumerism is encouraged in our "save the planet" day, when consumerism is what destroys the planet.
Jennifer says
Love this post! Hope you don't mind if I share it this week with a link back to you.
And thanks for stopping by to say to me too! Hope to "see" you again.
Jenn
LaVonne says
I like these ideas. Thank you for posting them. I also wrote an environmental friendly WFMW blog post. Great minds think alike 🙂
I need to try making my own cleaners next. I just need to do it!
Blessings!
http://www.longwaitforisabella.blogspot.com
Jen says
I LOVE this post! I was planning on planting my garden with my kids on Earth Day, but rain is in the forecast. My husband was also going to ride his bike to work, but won't be able to in the rain. We will just have to do these things when we can and celebrate Earth Day every day. I love all of your suggestions. I think I will turn off all the electronics tomorrow and go to the library to entertain my toddler.
Bitterroot Mama says
Great post! What a wonderful reminder.
Laura says
Great post! We do most of these already (well, I should start canning again) but as Sheila said above, it's good to be reminded. These ideas can also help you think if there's anything else you could be doing (switching to CFLs? Composting? Bringing your own grocery bags? and so forth) to step more lightly on the earth.
Shana says
This is such a great post Alea. You are also spot on on the driving all over. How does that help the earth?? I really want to make the laundry detergent myself. I just have to figure out where to find the stuff.
Sheila says
I love your ideas of how to celebrate Earth Day–much more helpful and practical. We do most of those things you listed already but it is nice to be reminded. Thanks.
Leanne says
Good post with a lot of great ideas.