It’s no secret that many of us feel overwhelmed by the Earth’s problems! Whether it’s the unfolding climate emergency, the plastic pollution in our oceans, or our disappearing wildlife and biodiversity — it’s normal to feel a sense of urgency and a desire to do something — no matter how small.
The theme of Earth Day 2021 is Restore Our Earth. It’s about restoring our ecosystems through natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking. This year, on April 22, we’re encouraging you to do something small and achievable. When multiplied by millions of people, small wins for the environment can make a huge difference!
We’ve put together 4 quick and easy things that you can do right now for our planet. Together, let’s #RestoreOurEarth!
Get Informed With Documentaries
Did you know that climate change education is the key to a greener future? Now, more than ever, it’s essential to be informed about climate change, what’s causing it, and the solutions that we must implement now. Spend an afternoon exploring Netflix and any other streaming services — you won’t regret it!
Documentaries are digestible and great to watch with your whole family. We've put together a list of our favourites for you to watch this Earth Day.
Earthlings (2005). This popular documentary, narrated by actor Joaquin Phoenix, exposes the suffering endured by animals in factory farms, research labs and puppy mills, and gives a great insight into why mankind exploits animals for profit. (1 hr 48 mins). You can watch it here.
Climate Change - The Facts (2019). This documentary, brought to you by the phenomenal David Attenborough, brings together leading climate scientists who explain what might happen if global warming increases by 1.5 degrees. This is a must-watch to learn about climate change. (60 mins).
Cowspiracy (2014). This wildly popular documentary, directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, explores the links between animal agriculture and climate change, water use, deforestation, and ocean dead zones. For many people, this is the life-changing film that helped them to become vegetarian or vegan. (1 hr 31 mins). Watch it right now on Netflix.
Seaspiracy (2021). This powerful documentary explores the human impacts on marine life, such as plastic marine debris, ghost nets and overfishing. Here’s what we learned from watching Seaspiracy. (1 hr 29 mins)
Earth Day Webinars. These aren’t documentaries, but these Earth Day Webinars are packed with information about different topics, like regenerative agriculture, climate change literacy, food waste, plastic pollution, food security and plant-based diets. These complex issues are discussed, debated and simplified by the world’s experts in Zoom webinars.
Eco Podcasts
Sustainable You (Jacqui Kidman & Lisa Whiston). This awesome podcast discusses the big issues surrounding climate change, as well as the small changes you can make in your daily life. Make sure you check out Episode 31: Flora & Fauna — it’s an interview with our wonderful Julie!
Heaps Better (Greenpeace Australia Pacific). This podcast series is a bite-sized discussion of climate change solutions! Each episode explores a different question: How can we be better planet savers? How can we speed up renewables? How can we stop funding the climate crisis? How can we make our leaders listen? Each episode explores exactly what you can do as an individual.
Little Green Pod (ABC Radio - Fiona Poole). In this podcast, mum-of-two Fiona Poole explores the quick and easy ways to become a little bit greener. Little Green Pod is for busy people, like you, who know they could do more to help save the world!
Sign Some Eco-Friendly Petitions
Are you feeling alone in the fight against climate change? This is where the power of petitions comes into play. By making our voices heard, we can influence policy and action for good. Online petitions are a demonstration of public support, and they can go a long way in creating structural change.
- Australian Conservation Foundation — Sign this petition to ensure that the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the places and wildlife are protected through strong environmental laws.
- Australia: Declare a Climate Emergency — Sign this petition to urge Prime Minister Scott Morrison to declare a climate emergency. Our Federal and State Governments must embrace climate action, but first, they must reach a consensus that there is a climate emergency.
- An Economic Recovery That Puts People & Planet First — Sign this petition to ensure a clean economic recovery from Covid-19 that prioritises renewable energy and green jobs.
Volunteer & Donate to Environmental Charities
If you’re ready to get up and take action for Earth Day, we recommend finding some volunteering opportunities in your area. If you’re not in a position to volunteer your time, then consider donating to a cause that you’re really passionate about.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Beach Clean-Ups. There are lots of regular beach clean-up events that you can find through Facebook or Sea Shepherd. For an even quicker action, head down to your local beach or river and pick up any rubbish that you find.
- Earth Day Events. The Earth Day website is a great place to seek out events in your area. On Eventbrite, there are plenty of online events for Earth Day — like workshops, expert panels, webinars, eco film festivals, trivia events, cook-alongs, arts & craft parties and action parties!
There are so many ways that we can #RestoreOurEarth. By educating ourselves, signing petitions and getting involved in environmental initiatives, together, we can turn our small actions into real, long-term change!
If you’re ready to take some bigger steps in your journey to eco-friendly living, make sure you check out these 3 things you can do for Earth Month!
For more information about Earth Day, the #RestoreOurEarth theme, and some more ways to get involved, head to earthday.org.
Keen to make more eco-friendly changes in your life?
Head to The Eco Hub for more inspiration.
