Ways to celebrate Earth Day while social distancing

April 22, 2020 marks the 50 year anniversary of Earth Day. While many Earth Day events were cancelled or postponed this year due to COVID-19, including the city’s Earth Day Celebration, there are still many ways you can celebrate Earth Day on your own and do your part to help the planet while social distancing. Here are just a few ideas:

Plant a tree

This is a great time of the year to plant a tree or start a garden. Use curbside pick-up services to safely purchase your new plants at a local gardening store.

Ditch plastic grocery bags

Use reusable (and machine-washable) grocery bags instead of plastic. Throw them in the washing machine when you get home to remove any germs.

Try “plogging”

Plogging is a combination of jogging and picking up litter. Take a walk around your neighborhood, a local park or trail, and pick up any trash you see lying around. Wear gloves for protection and remember to stay six feet from other joggers.

Use LED lights

Switch out your incandescent or florescent bulbs with LED! LED lights are much more energy efficient and they’ll save you money too.

Work from home

Telework as much as possible. Many of us are already doing this! By working remotely, you are reducing carbon emissions by keeping vehicles off the road.

Buy local

Arrange curbside pick-up, carry-out, drive-thru or delivery services from a local restaurant. Bonus points for restaurants who buy food from local producers! Buying local reduces food miles, supports sustainable food production and helps our economy at the same time. Here’s a list of local eateries offering these services: pittsburgareachamber.com/coronavirus/.

Learn more about Earth Day at earthday.org.