Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on April 22nd. It’s a day to bring awareness to our environment. It was first observed in 1970 and is now coordinated globally. Earth Day activities are a great way to show love for the Earth and make a positive impact.
Here are some ways you can participate and make a difference:
- Connect with Nature. Spend time outdoors and appreciate the beauty of nature. Develop a deeper connection with the environment.
- Conserve Energy. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Switch to energy-efficient bulbs and appliances. Consider using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Practice waste reduction by minimizing single-use items. Reuse products whenever possible, and recycle materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
- Spread Awareness. Share information about environmental issues with others. Educate yourself on sustainability practices, and advocate for policies that protect the environment.
- Support Conservation Efforts. Get involved in local conservation projects such as tree planting or wildlife restoration.
Improve Your Health
Cleaning up the Earth will also improve your health. Everywhere you go you are being bombarded with environmental toxins. Things like heavy metals and pesticides stays in your body and organs. Mercury weakens the immune system causing neurological symptoms.
Chemical toxins in your home come from:
- Air fresheners
- Candles
- Body care products
- Dry cleaning
- Dryer sheets
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Flooring
- Gasoline fumes
- Household cleaners
- Laundry detergents
- Mattresses
- New cars, clothes, furniture, and mattresses
- Paint
- Perfume/cologne
A study found chemicals in many household items harm oligodendrocytes in the brain. Oligodendrocytes are cells in the central nervous system that produce myelin. Researchers analyzed over 1,800 chemicals and found certain chemicals that damaged oligodendrocytes.
These harmful chemicals are in your home right now including:
- Flame retardants – found in many electronics and furniture
- Quaternary ammonium compounds – found in disinfectants and many personal care products
Flame retardants stopped oligodendrocytes from developing fully. While quaternary ammonium compounds cause oligodendrocytes to die. – That body wash, moisturizer, or dryer sheet you use could be killing the brain cells that build myelin!
Heal the Earth and Your Body
Celebrating Earth Day is a fantastic way of improving your health. But don’t do this for one day, do it every day! Environmental toxins cause chronic inflammation leading to multiple sclerosis (MS). Every little change you make to clean up the environment puts less burden on your body. Earth Day activities remind us to take care of our planet and ourselves.
Here are 10 Earth Day activities you can do that also improve your health:
1. Avoid Pesticides
Pesticide use results in environmental damage, especially water and soil contamination. It’s also toxic to birds, fish, beneficial insects, and non-targeted plants. They cause asthma, food allergies, and cancer. They increase the concentration of toxins inside the body’s organs. People exposed to pesticides such as farm workers, have higher rates of MS. – Avoid pesticides as much as possible.
2. Conserve Water
Install water-saving fixtures like filtered low-flow shower heads and faucets. This not only saves water it keeps toxins out of the water. City water contains chemicals like chlorine, fluoride, and pharmaceuticals. Well water can have microorganisms, pesticides, and herbicides. Add water filters to your faucets or a whole house water filter.
3. Breathe Cleaner Air
People with MS tend to spend more time indoors. It’s important to clean up the air inside your home. Open the windows to let air flow through (weather permitting). Use HEPA air filters and change them regularly. Vacuum and dust often, mycotoxins live in dust. Add house plants, they look nice and help clean the air.
4. Reduce Exposure to Toxins
Protecting the environment also reduces your exposure to toxins. Avoid toxic household cleaners. Use body care products that don’t use toxic chemicals. Stop storing your food in plastics. Pay attention to everything around you, toxins are everywhere. They are in the air, soil, water, and food.
5. Eat Locally and Seasonally
Support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. Buy produce that is in season and grown locally. Locally sourced foods are often fresher and more nutritious. This benefits your health and the environment.
6. Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Soak up some vitamin D by spending time outdoors. Being in nature also boosts mental health, and reduces stress. Studies found stress causes more MS flares.
7. Practice Energy Efficiency
Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and programmable thermostats. Switch to LED lights especially if you have old fluorescent lights. Older fluorescent lightbulbs emit mercury. These measures cut energy use, slash greenhouse gas emissions, and improve indoor air.
8. Reduce Chemical Usage
Switch to natural cleaning products or make your own. Use simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. This cuts exposure to harmful chemicals, improving indoor air and respiratory health.
To make your own read DIY Natural Cleaning Products
9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Embrace the principles of the three Rs. Minimizing waste, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling. Reduce by unplugging electronics when not in use to save power. Electronics have circuit boards that damage the cells that make myelin. Reuse by using glass containers and avoid plastic. Recycle by saving food scraps such as carrot tops to make broth. You could also make compost.
10. Start a Garden
Planting a garden beautifies your space and provides you with fresh, organic produce. Gardening reduces stress, lifts mood, and boosts activity. It’s not only healthy for you, it’s also healthy for the environment.
Earth Day
Earth Day activities can be fun and help the environment at the same time. By participating in Earth Day it also improves your health. Studies found spending time outdoors improves your physical and mental health. Get up early in the morning to listen to the birds. Or stay up at night and watch the night sky for shooting stars. – Either one is extremely relaxing.
You don’t need to drive long distances to enjoy nature, here are some examples:
- Add house plants to your home
- Buy a window bird feeder
- Grow container gardens or a window box garden in your kitchen
- Open your windows to let fresh air in
- Step outside and feel the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze on your skin
Taking care of the Earth helps keep you healthy. When you look after the planet, it helps you stay well too. For example, planting trees not only helps the Earth it also gives you a chance to move and get exercise. Using less harmful chemicals and pollution means cleaner air and water. So, remember, when you do good for the Earth, you’re doing good for yourself too!
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10 Earth Day Activities for a Healthier You
