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As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps many of us indoors, this year’s Earth Day—celebrating its 50th anniversary—will be unlike previous ones. However, being at home doesn’t mean you can’t join in. From crafting window displays to creating glacier slime, here are some fun and meaningful ways to honor Earth Day from your living space.
1. Create a Window Display
A simple yet impactful way to observe Earth Day is by designing a sign for your window. For inspiration, EarthDay.org offers a variety of slogan ideas.
2. & 3. Engage in Earthday.org’s 24 Hours of Action and Earth Challenge 2020
On April 22, EarthDay.org will present “24 actionable steps for the planet that you can take immediately, no matter your location,” as stated on their website. Stay updated via EarthDay.org or their social media (@earthdaynetwork) for hourly challenges throughout Earth Day. Additionally, the organization is hosting Earth Challenge 2020, a citizen science initiative encouraging participants to share data on air quality and plastic pollution. Learn more here.
4. AMNH’s Virtual Earthfest
This year, New York City’s American Museum of Natural History is marking Earth Day with a digital Earthfest. The event features a full day of activities, such as a gardening tutorial, a glacier goo demonstration to explain glacier mechanics, a global live watch party, a space-themed exploration, and an Earth-focused trivia night. Discover how to join in here.
5. USC’s Digital Earth Day Event
The University of Southern California (USC) will host a series of forums on April 22, 23, and 24, featuring a spring career fair, an innovation discussion, and a citizen science initiative. View the full schedule and register here.
6. Earth Day 50/50: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future
On April 22, Columbia University’s Earth Institute will present a live webcast titled “Earth Day 50/50: Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future,” featuring scientists and experts discussing Earth Day’s history, recent climate research, and strategies for a sustainable future. Register here and explore Columbia’s additional Earth Day activities, including a kids’ seminar on the science of microplastics, here.
7. WWF’s #ArtForEarth Campaign
This week, the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) invites everyone to create art celebrating nature’s beauty and significance using the hashtag #ArtForEarth. Each day has a unique theme, with Earth Day’s focus being One Earth. Learn more here.
8. NASA’s #EarthDayatHome Initiative
To make Earth Day celebrations accessible online, NASA has curated a website packed with resources. These include a webquest detailing how NASA scientists study our planet and a citizen science project/game focused on identifying corals in the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, they’ve created a 50th anniversary kit filled with games, activities, photos, and more. (Explore NASA at Home and NASA STEM at Home for more.) Share your Earth Day activities on social media using the hashtag #EarthDayatHome.
