Celebrating Earth Day: Today & Every Day

by  Maggie Blehar

Novelist Wendell Berry said, “The Earth is what we all have in common.” So in honor of my favorite holiday – Earth Day – I put together a guide that helps you celebrate our beautiful planet, Philly style. Taking even the smallest of steps to help the Earth has positive lasting effects. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Earth Day in Philly – today and every day!

photo cred: @phsgardening

Plant a tree 🌳

Giving back to the planet by planting trees is a simple step that yields huge results. If you are a residential or commercial property owner in the city, you can request a tree for your street here. They will assess your sidewalk, remove the necessary concrete, and plant your tree – all at no cost to you! 

If you aren’t a homeowner, don’t worry! You can check out the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s website and volunteer to help plant trees in your area.

photo cred: @rideindego

Ride instead of drive 🚲

Skipping out on your car is a great way to reduce CO2 emissions and help cleanse our planet. Over 5 million people have opted to bike instead of drive since the launch of bike share program, Indego. They have countless bike stations throughout the city that you can find via their app, which also shares how many bikes are available at that location so you’re never stranded.

photo cred: @goodbuysupply.co

Support local businesses 🛒

Supporting local businesses is always a great way to celebrate the environment. After all, local means less packaging, transportation, and waste involved. Let’s take it a step further and look at local businesses in Philly that focus on sustainability. Check out and support places like Good Buy Supply, Fanny Lou’s Porch, Good Karma Cafe, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Grant BLVD, or any thrift shop near you!

photo cred: @greenphilly.news

Recycle ♼

Americans produce 40% of the world’s total waste, and considering that it takes less than 2 seconds to throw your plastic into a recycling bin instead of a trash can, this stat is downright scary. If you’re someone who is hesitant to recycle, though, Green Philly has your back with this super simple city recycling guide. Hang it on your fridge and feel good putting out that blue bin on recycling day. 

photo cred: @charlie_was

Eat Plant-Based 🥑

Looking for an excuse to eat out at one of Philly’s many amazing restaurants? Look no further! Eating plant-based just one day a week saves 2,500 gallons of water, and switching to non-dairy milk reduces CO2 emissions by 60%. If you aren’t confident in your vegan cooking skills yet, the list of plant-based restaurants in the city is practically never ending. Support the planet and local businesses by making a reservation at Charlie Was a Sinner, Vedge, Bar Bom Bon, or The Nile Cafe, or check out our vegan restaurant guide for more options!

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Meet the Blogger

maggie

Maggie Blehar is a Philadelphia-based writer and editor. Her passion for writing started as soon as she could hold a pencil, filling up journal after journal. When she isn’t writing, you can find her showcasing her amateur cooking skills, digging deeper into her zodiac sign, exploring Philly neighborhoods with her dog, or refurbishing wooden chairs to resemble cherished book covers, a hobby she calls Literachair. Learn more or connect with her on her website.