Five Actions for Earth Day—Small Steps, Big Planet Wins

Every action we take shapes the future of our planet. This Earth Day (April 22), the rallying cry “Our Power, Our Planet” calls on the power of communities and individuals to create a healthier, more sustainable world. Negative human impacts like plastic pollution and habitat destruction threaten vulnerable wildlife and habitats. But when we take positive action, the planet wins. 

From the choices we make at home to the conversations we spark with others, individual action fuels larger change. It pressures businesses to rethink their impact, encourages governments to step up, and protects the species that share this planet with us. 

Here are five ways you can take action for our Earth: 

1. Pledge against plastics

Did you know the average U.S. consumer uses one single-use plastic bag every day—adding up to 100 billion bags used nationwide each year? 

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats facing wildlife today.

Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter our oceans, where sea turtles mistake it for food, whales become fatally entangled, and microplastics infiltrate entire ecosystems. On land, plastic clogs rivers, litters forests, and disrupts fragile habitats that countless species call home.

This Earth Day, pledge to go one month without single-use plastics. Simple choices—like bringing a tote bag whenever you shop or carrying a reusable water bottle—can help limit microplastic pollution, keep plastics out of wildlife habitats, and push for broader, systemic change. 

Sign the pledge and join a community of people who share your commitment to creating a healthier planet. 

2. 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. 

3. Gift a corner of your yard to native wildlife

As you plan your spring garden, choose flowers, trees, and shrubs that are native to your region. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, which means they typically require less water and maintenance, and they provide vital food, shelter, and nesting space for birds, bees, butterflies, and other local wildlife. Whether you’re planting a full garden or just adding a few pots to your porch, choosing native plants helps restore natural ecosystems right at home. 

4. Spread the word

Inspiration and commitment is contagious. Raise awareness about conservation issues you care about. Sharing a post on social media or having a conversation with a friend can build into a wave of awareness and action. 

5. Make a donation to WildAid

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

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.