How To Celebrate Earth Day’s 50th Anniversary On Lockdown

Fifty years ago on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans mobilized streets, parks and auditoriums protesting against the deterioration of the natural environment. It was the first official Earth Day, and has since become an annual global campaign for the planet.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, but things will be a little different this time. Imagine telling the folks back in the ‘70s that in 2020 we’d be celebrating Earth Day from the confines of our homes, through a network of electric screens where the primary form of social contact is by ‘zooming’ one another half dressed and surrounded by sourdough? (the internet was a mere dream back then, remember).

They’d probably say: so what? There are lots of ways to lessen our impact on the planet in everyday lockdown life; in fact, some of the most eco-friendly habits we can adapt are in our homes, what we eat and how we get around. We’re already doing much more for the environment than we think during our immobilization: we’re walking and cycling more, consuming less, and spending more time in our local area.

Here are a few more thoughtful ways to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day from home, and for all the years to come..