Vote for the Earth Every Day

Earth Day is more than a moment to step outside and appreciate nature—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that the beauty and vitality of our planet are not guaranteed but protected through conscious choices and collective effort. To ensure that future generations inherit a planet as rich in natural wonder as we have, we must adopt a mindset of stewardship every single day.

💵 The Power of Your Purchase

Support businesses that care about the planet.

It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. We’re often told to recycle, avoid plastic, and turn off the lights—but the truth is, individual lifestyle changes, while valuable, only scratch the surface. According to the  Carbon Majors Report (2023), just 78 companies are responsible for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988.

This is why the choices we make as consumers matter. Every dollar we spend is effectively a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. When we support businesses that prioritize sustainability, reduce emissions, and treat their workers and ecosystems with respect, we reinforce those values. Conversely, spending on companies with poor environmental track records enables further harm. Look for trusted certifications like:

• Certified B Corp
• Climate Neutral
• Fair Trade
• 1% for the Planet

🧼 Clean Naturally

Protect waterways—and your health.

Our homes should be sanctuaries—not sources of pollution. Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that, once washed down the drain, end up in our waterways. These substances can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and even pose health risks to humans.

Opting for eco-friendly cleaning products made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients can significantly reduce this impact. Not only are these products better for the environment, but they’re also often gentler on our skin and lungs.

Finding a trustworthy cleaning brand can be a little overwhelming, especially when so many companies  use greenwashing to make misleading marketing claims. Thankfully the EPA’s Safer Choice search tool is a great place to start! You can also create your own cleaning solutions using staples like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

🛍️ Shop Local, Used, or Borrow

Less waste. More community.

Big-box convenience often comes at a hidden cost: high emissions, excess packaging, and weakened local economies. Instead:

• Shop local- Supporting small businesses near you reduces your carbon footprint and helps your local economy thrive by keeping money circulating through your community.
• Buy secondhand- Shopping at thrift stores or online markets like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace gives new life to existing goods and reduces landfill waste. The fashion industry alone contributes 10% of global carbon emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined, according to the UN Environment Programme.
• Borrow when you can. If you only need something once or twice—a power drill, a ladder, a party table—ask your neighbors or check local tool libraries. Sharing resources saves money and builds stronger, more connected communities.

🗑️ Make Picking Up Trash a Habit

Leave it better than you found it.

The “Leave No Trace” principle is a great place to start, but what if we all took it a step further?

Next time you’re on a walk, at the park, or heading into the store, pause and pick up a piece of litter. It’s a simple act that helps keep your community clean and reinforces a mindset of environmental care, setting a positive example for future generations. Plus, it serves as a daily reminder that you can make a difference, one piece at a time.

🗳️ Support Environmental Policy

Use your voice where it matters most.

Imagine returning home to find your house trashed by a guest, you’d be rightfully outraged. Now imagine that guest was invited in by someone who claimed to protect your interests. That’s often how environmental degradation on public lands begins: with policy decisions made behind closed doors.

Local and national leaders have a profound influence on the state of our environment. Laws regulating land use, water rights, emissions, wildlife protection, and conservation are shaped by elected officials. That’s why voting in every election—local, state, and federal—is critical.

Support candidates who advocate for strong climate policies, renewable energy investment, and public land protection. Organizations like League of Conservation Voters and BallotReady offer nonpartisan resources to help you learn where candidates stand on environmental issues.

Change starts in the voting booth—and your voice counts.

🌱 Make Earth Day a Lifestyle

Protecting the planet isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making intentional, consistent choices. Small actions, multiplied by millions, become powerful. From how you shop to how you clean, vote, and engage with your community, every step matters.

So let Earth Day be a spark, not just a celebration. Let it be the beginning of a mindset that carries into every season of the year.

Together, we can build a more sustainable world—one thoughtful choice at a time.