Earth Day: How To Celebrate it Locally
Every year on April 22nd, people across the world come together to celebrate Earth Day
Earth Day is a global reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet. With climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss accelerating at an alarming rate, Earth Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action.
The State of Our Planet
The numbers paint a stark picture of the environmental crisis we face: One million species are at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.
Each year, we generate 400 million tonnes of plastic waste, with only 9% of it being recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, oceans, or incinerated, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The average UK household wastes 4.5 million tonnes of food each year, while food production accounts for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
These are scary statistics! A lot needs to be done by big corporations and governments to make bigger changes. But there’s so much we can do as individuals and as a community to drive meaningful change.
How Can We Make a Difference Locally?
- Support Local Sustainable Businesses – Choosing to buy from
independent shops that prioritise eco-friendly products and reduce waste
helps cut emissions and supports ethical supply chains. - Reduce Plastic & Waste – Avoid single-use plastics and reduce food waste
by using refill shops – we have three options in Leighton Buzzard! Bring
reusable bags and containers when shopping and compost food waste to
prevent landfill methane emissions. - Join or Organise a Clean-Up – Litter, especially plastic waste, often ends up
in waterways and natural habitats. Participating in local clean-up events can
make a noticeable difference. - Plant Trees & Wildflowers – Trees act as carbon sinks, improving air quality
and reducing urban heat, while wildflowers support pollinators crucial to food
production. - Use Energy & Water Wisely – Switching to LED bulbs, using refillable water
bottles, and reducing unnecessary energy use can all contribute to a lower
carbon footprint. - Reduce Meat & Dairy Consumption – Livestock farming is responsible for
14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Even small changes, like having
one or two meat-free days a week, can make a difference.
Earth Day is Just the Beginning
While Earth Day highlights these pressing issues, real change happens through
everyday actions. Every choice—from the way we shop to the food we eat and the
energy we consume—contributes to a more sustainable future.
This Earth Day, take the time to reflect on the impact of our daily habits and
challenge yourself to make one meaningful change. Because when individuals act,communities follow—and together, we can protect the planet for generations to come.
What will your Earth Day pledge be this year?
Guest article by: Heni Cloake at The Refill
nuts, chocolate breakfast cereal, extra virgin olive oil, shower refills, berries, herbs and spices, curry kits and everything you need to make organic and ethical choices for your home.
