Earth Day: helping and honoring Mother Earth

There are many individual actions, small though they may seem, that can add up and honor the planet we call home.

On April 22nd, Earth Day is celebrated worldwide. Since its first commemoration in 1970, this date has been dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues that threaten our planet, such as pollution, global warming, deforestation, and more. In 2025, Earth Day focuses on renewable energy. Under the slogan “Our power, our planet,” a global call is made to unite in favor of these clean energy sources, with the goal of tripling renewable electricity generation by 2030.

Renewable energy has seen rapid growth in recent years; however, it is still somewhat far from reaching the established goal, as noted by the International Energy Agency in October. While the large-scale implementation of these sources falls mainly on companies and governments, individuals can also make a significant contribution. There are many individual actions, small though they may seem, that can add up and honor the planet we call home.

Actions to help and honor the planet on Earth Day

1. Make your voice heard

One of the most powerful tools we have as human beings is our voice. Whether as activists or simply as concerned individuals, speaking out to inform, raise awareness, and expose harmful practices towards the planet is the first step toward change. Sharing the current situation with family, friends, and the community can create a chain of awareness that, over time, will translate into more significant collective actions.

2. Reduce plastic use

It is well known that plastic is one of the greatest threats to the environment. Every year, around 300 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, and a large portion of it ends up in landfills or oceans, endangering animals and ecosystems. Therefore, adopting small actions to reduce plastic use can make a big difference. Some ideas include:

Avoid disposable utensils
Reject plastic bags at the supermarket
Eliminate plastic straws
Opt for sustainable alternatives like wood, bamboo, or charcoal

Being more conscious of your consumption habits is a simple yet powerful step to take care of the planet.

3. Use alternative transportation

Gasoline and diesel vehicles are one of the main sources of air pollution. Dangerous gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, severely impacting human health. While car use is a necessity for many people, reducing its use, even occasionally, can have a greater positive impact than we think.

Choosing public transport at least once a week, walking to the supermarket, cycling or skating to the park, or carpooling with coworkers or classmates are simple actions that, when added together, can make a significant difference for the planet.

4. Reuse

Excessive use of single-use plastic bottles and bags is a severe threat to the environment and health. In 2016, more than 480 billion plastic bottles were sold, a figure that could be reduced if more people used reusable bottles. Additionally, avoiding packaged drinks helps reduce sugar and chemical consumption. On the other hand, plastic bags pollute landfills and harm marine wildlife, but this impact can be minimized by using durable reusable bags available in stores and online.

If, for some reason, a plastic bottle or single-use utensils are used, it is best to reuse them as much as possible. And when they are no longer functional, finding an alternative use for them can help prevent them from ending up in landfills or polluting the environment.

5. Protect biodiversity

Biodiversity is a fundamental part of our ecosystem and plays a crucial role in maintaining the planet’s balance. Protecting and promoting biodiversity is, therefore, a shared responsibility.

Simple actions such as caring for trees in your local park, avoiding damage to plants and natural habitats, or even planting a tree in your garden or community are meaningful gestures. You can also support organizations working for the conservation of wildlife and flora, reduce pesticide use, and learn about native species in your area to help protect them.

6. Stay informed

To achieve real change, it is essential to understand what changes need to be made. Being informed about the current state of the environment and climate issues is fundamental to making decisions that will have a positive impact. Staying updated will help you become more aware of your daily habits and, over time, may inspire those around you to adopt the same small actions, which, when combined, make a big difference.

It is also important to exercise your democratic rights by supporting candidates and policies that prioritize climate change mitigation and environmental protection.

7. Give thanks to Mother Earth

The planet Earth is deeply connected to all of its inhabitants, and practicing compassion and gratitude are essential qualities to strengthen that bond. Compassion drives us to act with kindness towards others and the environment, while gratitude helps us appreciate daily blessings, allowing us to live more lightly on the Earth. Guided by mindfulness, these qualities help us reconnect with an authentic life and honor the planet in the process. Give thanks for all that Mother Earth provides us, despite the harm we have caused over time, recognize her compassion, and respond with immense gratitude.