How We Celebrate Earth Day All Year Round

In case you hadn’t noticed, Earth Day earlier this week was on April 22nd. If you’re wondering what you can do to help our planet when big corporations seem to be turning back the clock on climate-friendly actions, we’re here to tell you that while the news can feel bleak, the only way forward is to take action, no matter how small. That’s because tiny things lead to larger actions, and larger actions generate real change, not to mention hope. 

With that in mind, we asked The Persistent contributors to share their sustainable habits, plus we’ve included a few things to read and watch to inspire you. And even if you don’t always compost or recycle or remember to turn off every last light, take a breath, forgive yourself, and reset: It’s never too late to start nurturing our big blue home.

My birthday is on Earth Day, so I feel a special connection to it. My biggest impact on the environment is being a vegetarian for 33 years – and raising both of my children vegetarian as well. The meat industry contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than all transportation combined, which means that if everyone cut back on meat even slightly, it would make a big difference. How big? One study found that consuming just 30 grams less meat a week would be the equivalent of taking 8 million cars off the road.  — Kathleen Davis, executive editor

I shop secondhand first for everything I need except for a select few necessities like underwear and cosmetics. My top thrifting tip is to search Facebook Marketplace. It may take some patience and logistics, but there's nothing more rewarding than scoring a great deal while keeping an already-made item in use.
— Han Goldstein, social media manager

I’ve always been a nervous driver, so much so that when I moved to New York City after college, where driving and parking is a hassle, I gave it up completely for decades. And even though I eventually married someone with a car, I still like to stick to buses, trains, and ferries to get where I need to go, not just in the city but when visiting friends, traveling abroad – everywhere I can. At 62, I’m proud to say I’ve never owned a car or even rented one. I’m happy to let Greyhound or Amtrak take me where I need to go, especially because doing so gives me extra time to read or work. As a bonus, I can congratulate myself on reducing my carbon footprint. – Paula Derrow, features editor

Landscape specialist Jessica Viola replanted my front garden with low-water plants. The results are so gorgeous neighbors stop me to talk about it (which my daughter hates).— Deanna Kizis, contributing writer

I stopped using paper towels years ago. Instead, I use these white, cotton bar mops that I just throw into the washing machine once a week. Yes, I end up with a bit more folding every week, but I look forward to the chance to chill out and meditate while I do it.
— Deborah Copaken, contributing writer

For years, in an effort to avoid single-use plastics,  I struggled to find a water bottle that wasn’t too bulky, that was easy to drink from, and that didn’t leak. Recently, I bought an Owala, and I’m finally sold. No leaks and it’s oddly satisfying to drink out of. A TikTok influencer popularized the theory — not substantiated by the company itself— that its name is derived from the fact that you look like a koala when you drink out of it. It’s hard to explain; you sort of have to try it for yourself. 
— Josie Cox, founding editor 

A few recommendations to give you more ideas and inspo:

Watch: The late primatologist Jane Goodall's Famous Last Words interview on Netflix. We dare you not to be deeply moved. 

Read: "All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis" edited by Katharine K. Wilkinson and Ayana Elizabeth Johnson 
This collection gathers expertise and insights from dozens of women climate leaders including scientists, journalists, farmers, lawyers, and activists, intermixing essays, poetry and art. Dare we say that it’s the feminist version of a guidebook to saving the planet?

Watch: The 2020 Netflix Documentary My Octopus Teacher about the filmmaker’s unusual friendship with an octopus. It’s poignant, remarkable, and helps to show just how interconnected we all are while also pointing up how little humans understand the non-human creatures we share the planet with. 

Read: "Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet"
This practical book written by data scientist Hannah Ritchie offers suggestions for doable lifestyle changes that have a meaningful impact. It’s a great antidote for days when our climate problems feel overwhelming. 

Let us know what inspires you or how you're helping Mother Earth. Send your recommendations to hello@thepersistent.com. We’ll be back with more recommendations next Friday!

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