6 Earth Day Actions You Can Take Right Now

Every day, our actions and lifestyle choices ripple across the globe, influencing the natural world in profound ways. From the food we eat to how we wash our clothes, the collective impact of these decisions can either harm or heal our planet. As we face a climate crisis that threatens a third of all species with extinction within our lifetimes, it’s clear that the path we choose today shapes the legacy we leave for future generations.

This Earth Day, join a movement of proactive conservationists who are not just witnessing change but driving it. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Reduce food waste

Here’s a simple yet powerful way to minimize your ecological footprint and promote a more efficient, resilient food system for the benefit of people and the planet: Eat up!

Limiting food waste helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from food decomposition in landfills, which significantly contribute to climate change. Additionally, it conserves water, soil, and energy resources expended in the production of food that goes uneaten. Less waste also means fewer demands for farming, leading to less deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

2. Eat more plants

Combat climate change on your plate! Shifting towards plant-based foods can significantly cut your carbon footprint. Reducing consumption of meat, pork, and chicken by 50% can decrease your carbon emissions by 1,200 pounds annually. It’s a powerful step towards protecting species impacted by our changing climate.

3. Revamp your laundry routine

Did you know one of the biggest sources of microplastic pollution is laundry? Synthetic fabrics shed microfibers constantly, especially when they’re washed. By doing laundry less often, using cold water when washing clothes, and hanging clothes to dry, you can reduce microplastic pollution AND carbon output from your washing machine.

4. Spread the word

Inspiration is contagious. Share your commitment to making planet-positive changes on social media, start conversations about sustainability with your friends and family, or even host a Facebook fundraiser to support WildAid’s global conservation efforts.

5. Stay in the loop

Sign up for text messages from WildAid! You’ll receive wildlife conservation updates and international campaign highlights from us each month. Text the word WILDAID to (855) 949-6321.

6. Make a donation to WildAid

Your donation supports our global efforts to protect vulnerable wildlife and habitats on land and at sea.

WildAid’s unique approach has been making waves internationally, recognized most recently with Prince William’s Earthshot Prize for our work in marine protection. Join us—as have millions from the U.S. to Cameroon to China—in this global movement. Together, we can harness the greatest force for conservation: ourselves!

Conservation is a team sport, and every action counts. By choosing to make environmentally conscious decisions, we all contribute to a sustainable future where wildlife and humans thrive together. Let’s take bold steps this Earth Day and beyond to safeguard our beautiful planet.