April 22 is World Earth Day, which originated in 1970 to indicate the start of the environmental movement as we know it. On this day every year, people all over the world raise awareness about topics regarding the earth and environment, particularly sustainable sources of energy and climate change. This year, they’ve taken it on a rather massive scale, asking the governments of world nations to take action.
Now, this might all appear a little ‘distant’ for us, sitting at home with our families. We’re not in authoritative positions in the government to make any change that can have an impact. We’re just regular people, living their normal lives; how does all this affect us? And yet, it does. As parents, we care a lot about our children’s future – their health, education, financial security etc. But what about their home, their planet? Shouldn’t we be worried about it too? Celebrating Earth Day reminds us of our responsibility towards the planet and the impact our actions have on it.
What can we do about it?
Humans were made to be in sync with nature, eating and living naturally. However, we’ve come a long way from that and our lives today hardly have anything natural in it!! So this Earth Day, let’s make an effort to live a life that’s closer to Earth, the way it was meant to be. While we can’t go back to living in caves and shooting arrows, we can take small steps to foster our attachment to our planet. By celebrating Earth Day, we are reminded of the importance of reconnecting with nature and embracing sustainable choices that pave the way for a brighter and more environmentally conscious future.
How to celebrate Earth Day?
We can celebrate Earth Day by following the below mentioned steps that let us live a life close to earth
Food
When it comes to celebrating Earth Day, one area that deserves our utmost attention is the food we consume, as it profoundly impacts both our health and the environment. To honor this special day, let’s make mindful choices:
Get rid of all kinds of packaged and processed food.
Grow your own vegetables and herbs yourself
Encourage free range and organic food suppliers in your area
Eat only as much as you actually need and avoid wastage
By prioritizing Earth-friendly food choices on Earth Day and beyond, we not only nourish ourselves but also contribute to a sustainable future for our planet.
Body
When it comes to personal care, it’s important to be mindful of the products we use on our bodies. This Earth Day, let’s take a closer look at our choices and make eco-friendly decisions:
Minimize the number of products you buy; if you eat healthy, sleep well and exercise, you won’t need them
When buying, ensure you’re buying them from fair trade brands that don’t test on animals or extract ingredients from endangered plants
You can make many skin care products right at home with basic ingredients from your kitchen.
By being conscious of our personal care choices on Earth Day and beyond, we can contribute to a cleaner, greener planet and prioritize our well-being.
Home
Taking a stroll through your home can reveal how disconnected we’ve become from the Earth. This Earth Day, let’s make simple changes to bring us closer to nature:
For starters, sleep early and wake with the sun; use natural light as far as possible
Keep plants at home, they purify the air and help regulate temperature; they also keep you in touch with nature
Use essential oils instead of air fresheners; they’re not toxic and let out an earthy, pleasant fragrance
Sun dry your clothes; it’s free and anti bacterial
Natural materials like jute, coir and cane give a warm, natural feel
Ditch the toxic cleaning liquids and use vinegar to clean
By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can create a more Earth-friendly environment and rediscover our connection to the planet. Happy Earth Day!
Play
These days, any form of entertainment includes a good deal of electricity and inactivity, which isn’t good for your health or for the earth!
Walk barefoot where you can; grass in the park, sand on the beach
Ditch all the games on your devices; play outdoors
Choose vacations to places of natural significance rather than amusement parks which use a lot of water
Get kids toys made of recycled materials and avoid all the battery operated ones
Encourage nature-related activities and nature theme parties among kids
Spirit
At the end of the day, to truly live a life close to the earth, your spirit needs to be one with nature.
Practice yoga, preferably outdoors, or at least in your balcony if its not too hot
Always walk with firm steps, grounding your feet, and raising your head
Practice gratitude with your children; use a gratitude journal to help
Respect all living creatures
Meditate everyday, at least for five minutes
Keep no malice towards anyone; practice positivity even in difficult times
It isn’t really difficult to live a life close to earth, though initially you might feel a resistance to break away from habits that have been cultivated over decades. But don’t give up; remember, your kids will follow your example and they’ll thank you for it too!
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