Easy ways to celebrate Earth Day 2026
Earth Day takes place on April 22 to show support for the protection of the environment and our planet. EarthDay.Org announced that this year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.”
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As Earth Day 2026 celebrates “Our Power, Our Planet,” there is a lineup of Earth Day events to join across Michigan throughout this week to take part locally.
“Environmental progress is built through everyday action — from communities protecting ecosystems to innovators advancing solutions. Clean air, safe water, and climate resilience aren’t optional — they’re essential. For Earth Day 2026, we’re mobilizing at scale. Every action counts. Every voice matters,” Earthday.org says.
In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist issued a proclamation recognizing April 22 as Earth Day.
“On Earth Day, we should take time to appreciate the planet we live on, recognize the many environmental issues we are facing, and recommit ourselves to doing our part to ‘Invest in Our Planet,'” the proclamation read.
Here’s what to know about being environmentally friendly.
When is Earth Day?
Earth Day, a global day encouraging environmental protection, is celebrated on April 22.
How to get involved in Michigan
The Earth Day website sponsors a variety of events throughout Michigan this week to join in the environmentalist spirit. From park cleanups to craft sessions, workshops, a composting tour and beyond, there will be plenty to check out.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
Reducing food waste is a great way to make better use of your dollars, and limit environmental pollution.
When you throw away uneaten food that ends up in a landfill, that waste releases methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, according to the United Nations.
The USDA says the average family of four wastes about $1,500 worth of food each year, so cutting waste can put money in your wallet.
Put the brakes on your next road trip
If you can, skip your next car ride to school, work or the grocery store and opt for greener transportation.
Most vehicles run on gasoline or diesel fuel, releasing greenhouse gases into the air, the U.N. said. Carpooling, walking, biking or taking the bus to a local destination can reduce air pollution in your community.
Using your vehicle less, with gas prices in Michigan hovering near $4 per gallon, can even save you money.
Pull the plug on those extra watts
Cutting corners on electricity in your home or business can foster an environmentally friendly space.
LED lightbulbs use less energy. Choose energy-efficient electric appliances to limit energy usage, and related coal, oil or gas emissions, the U.N. recommends. When running laundry loads, select cold water to wash and line dry items instead of machine drying.
CNET says Energy Star studies show that standard incandescent bulbs cost about $7.23 per year to use, while LEDs cost around $1.08. Using energy efficient appliances will save even more.
Load up on greens at meal time
A vegetable-rich diet can boost your green standing environmentally, too.
Reducing meat and dairy intake while increasing your consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits, huts, whole grains and seeds helps the environment, the U.N. said. Plant-based foods require less land, energy and water to produce and generate less greenhouse gas emissions.
As the price for beef has continued to go up sharply over the last year, eating more vegetables can save you money.
Test your green thumb this spring
As you begin planting your garden this season, be sure to include native plant species, promoting biodiversity in your yard.
Native plants, trees and shrubs support the local ecosystem, providing a key food source for animals like birds, the U.N. explained. Be sure to avoid spraying insecticides and avoid invasive species.
Planting a garden at home can save you money throughout the growing season — and even through the winter if you can or freeze harvests — because you don’t have to purchase at a store.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
