Recognized internationally as Earth Month, April is a great time for each of us to direct our attention toward sustainability, conservation, and community engagement.
Although there are many ways to contribute to the health of the planet, here are seven simple ones you can try this month to start giving back and help establish a more sustainable future.
Join the Great Global Cleanup
On April 22, otherwise known as Earth Day, consider participating in EARTHDAY.ORG’s campaign to remove litter and plastic pollution from parks, rivers, and streets within communities worldwide. You can find a list of projects near you in its online guide or even sign up to host one yourself. Many other organizations also hold cleanup events throughout the month, so check with your local municipalities or Volunteer.gov to see what options are available and how you can lend your support.
Assist a community garden
If you aren’t already involved with one, find a community garden to join this month. These programs provide fresh, locally grown produce, foster a sense of unity, and promote sustainable agriculture practices. Depending on the needs of the specific garden, you could volunteer to plant, mulch, harvest, or organize future local outreaches. You can use this map from the American Community Gardening Association to find one in your area; if there aren’t any near you, the organization also offers numerous resources on how to start your own.
Maintain local nature areas
If you enjoy spending time in nature, this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. The Forest Service relies on volunteers to help maintain various outdoor areas, including hiking trails, campgrounds, and new building projects. As a bonus, once you reach 250 volunteer hours, you’ll re