Earth Day: Five things you can do to observe!

New Delhi: April 22nd every year, marks the onset of Earth Day. A day that is celebrated annually to raise awareness about our home planet and how we can save and protect it from recurring damage.

Started in the year 1970, Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and celebrated in more than 193 countries each year.

Every year, the event is celebrated under a different theme. The theme for 2016 is “Trees for the Earth”.

In present times, when the dangers of climate change and global warming loom as large as ever, there is a constant pressure upon the entire world to do their bit and contribute towards the betterment of our home planet. Why? Because there is only one Earth.

Planting more trees means cutting down and reducing the carbon footprint and spread of greenhouse gases.

However, Earth Day is not just to an event to be celebrated on one specific day. It is primarily a reminder for all to do our rightful duty to save our planet everyday. Earth Day is a motivation for you to start right now.

Below, we have compiled a list of five things you can do to celebrate Earth Day (apart from planting trees) and make this a better place, a better world for future generations.

Have a look!

1. Leave your cars at home:

Cars, being the greatest source of air pollution, can be left at home this weekend. Travelling via public transport is the better option. Other greener options are carpooling, riding a bike or you can also walk if you want a healthier option and if your workplace is not that far away from your home.

2. Be a little dirty:

No, we don't mean it 'that' way. We simply mean to say, don't take a bath. Yes, conservation of water is super essential. A day or two without a bath won't harm you, but it will certainly do a lot of good for our planet. Water saved is the planet saved. A daily shower isn't a matter of health; it's a matter of comfort. And for the comfort of a 10-minute shower, we consume up to 50 gallons (189 liters) of water, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. In any case, showering every day can wash away the natural oils that our skin and hair need and can deprive the immune system of the germs it needs to fully develop.

3. Volunteer yourself:

This is one of the best things you can do. Why? Because it will do you good too. Join other like-minded individuals in a common task. If you have the time, there are lots of opportunities out there to pitch in, for instance, planting trees, cleaning a park or simply coming up with ways you can preserve mother Earth.

4. Green-up your home:

This is one of the most common things that people do whenever Earth Day rolls around, that is, switch off their lights. However, this is not something you should do just for a day and for only an hour. Conserve energy by switching of all power and/or electricity points whenever they are not in use. In addition, take out all the plugs from plug points even after switching them off.

5. Pledge to do more everyday:

You know what the best way to celebrate Earth Day is? Extend your celebrations. That's right! Do something everyday that will improve your surroundings and put a stamp on your contributions toward making the planet a better place to live in. Always remember that every step, every initiative counts.

The future of our planet is in your hands!