Gentle Ways to Care for the Earth This Earth Day

Mrs. Ladybug
4 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 17 hours ago

If you are sitting next to a window or have access to an outdoor space right now, let's do a little exercise.

What do you see - a green lawn, blue sky, rain clouds, birds, flowers, squirls, mountains?

What do you hear - birds chirping, the wind flowing through the leaves, a neighbor's dog, a bee buzzing, the river flowing? This is done best with your eyes closed.

What do you smell - the ocean, a fragrant bloom, fresh cut grass, pine?

Feel free to comment on this exercise below. The point of this was to take a moment to observe and appreciate Mother Nature- our planet, our Earth.

April 22nd isn't just a calendar day to celebrate Earth Day; it is a reminder that Earth is part of our day every day. Mother Nature reminds us repeatedly that it doesn't need the human race to thrive, but the human race cannot survive without Her. Regardless of how resilient nature is, it can still suffer the severe consequences of our actions or lack thereof. So, let's talk about simple, meaningful ways to care for the planet — without overwhelm or perfection.

Earth Day can sometimes feel like a reminder of everything we’re not doing… instead of a celebration of what we can do. Every single individual plays a part in this, which is why what you do does matter. It may seem so little in the grand scheme of things what one person can do, but it is impactful when many people do small acts that nurture Earth. Just know that your efforts are not wasted, whether or not anyone notices.

Sometimes caring for the Earth looks like simply buying less; choosing only what you need and letting that be enough. Slowing down and not overconsuming is mindful consumption and helps in reducing waste. This means doing groceries with reusable shopping bags, drinking from a reusable water bottle and using a metal straw. Shopping less... consuming less is challenging in this day and age where temptation is advertised to us everywhere- our phones, our computers, magazines, influences, etc. We are living in an era of surplus. Self-control, mindful consumption, and discarding correctly and efficiently are the key solutions. In our kitchen, for instance, let's replace disposable paper towels with cleaning cloths. In our wardrobe, there are many ways we can help the environment by shopping less, shopping second hand (ex: ThredUp), avoiding synthetic/plastic-based fabrics, and disposing of your unwanted textiles in an ecofriendly way. Believe me, when you watch this video, you will feel differently about your next retail therapy. As the saying goes- less is more!

It can be as simple as choosing products that are kinder, using what you already have, or making small shifts in your routine. The small choices you make daily is what makes protecting the planet sustainable. Choosing cleaning products that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly are a great way to help end toxic waste. Keeping a biodiverse yard and avoiding pesticide helps keep the earth cool and the beneficial insects healthy. Let's be conscious of how much water we are using daily and try to conserve water where/when we can. When having fun at the beach or the springs, remember to use "reef safe" sunscreen. You see how the little acts we do daily are a huge deal?

And sometimes, caring for the Earth isn’t about doing more at all—but about reconnecting. Stepping outside. Noticing. Remembering why it matters. Having an emotional connection, mindfulness, and appreciation for the beauty that is nature is the driving force. That love that you have for Earth is why you care so much, why you take your time to care for her. Because you know that a balanced and happy environment means a balanced and happy home for us and future generations.

You don’t have to do everything to care for the Earth.

The small, gentle choices you make—especially the ones no one sees—still matter.

Happy Earth Day... today and every day!

Mrs. Ladybug