Earth Day is the time to honour our planet — and today it marks the 50th anniversary. YUGEN invites you to contribute to a positive change and be a part of the event that has now grown into a global network covering more than 193 different countries. With a hashtag #ClimateAction we are presenting you 10 actions you can take to make a change.

1. Vote

If you have not already, on Earth Day 2020, make your commit to vote, registering to vote and showing up to vote. Vote for someone who is representative of you and your views. Make your demands known by voting for those who will defend the planet. Too young to vote? Here is a platform that  connects you  with organizations in your neighborhood who are working every day on local issues.

2. Educate 

Share your knowledge and wisdom with your friends, your family, your coworkers and your neighbors and tell them what they can do to contribute. And tune into this  24 hours of action that features digital teach-ins and interactive discussions from some of the world’s most inspiring voices for change.

3. Hold yourself accountable

You can make a change the same as everyone else. We all make a personal impact on the planet click here to calculate your carbon footprint - you  will be surprised.  

4. Unplug

Turn your phone off, turn your lights off, turn your laptop off. Buy some energy saving light bulbs. Unplug items at least when you are not using them.

5. Travel smarter

Take public transport, cycle, walk when possible (walking has been proven to increase brain activity in the creativity centers) if you need to get a lift get uber share - it is also good for your health, your wallet and the planet. We can all do more to be more conscious about how we travel.

Electric scooter insider has listed and categorised some great electric scooter options.

6. Shop smarter

Do you know where your money is going? Your power as a consumer is extremely impactful, use it in a right way and make sure your money is going towards positive change. Support brands driven by sustainability and committed to transparency throughout the supply chain. You can find them here on YUGEN website. Here is the latest addition. 

7. Recycle/Upcycle

Recycle your trash but most importantly recycle your clothes. Some examples may include cutting up an old t-shirt to make a small pouch, printing a screen print on a hoodie or tie-dying. The only limit is your creativity.  

London based sustainable brand Sabinna makes T-shirts from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and is circular, which means your t-shirt can simply be sent back to the factory once you no longer want or need it – and they will recycle it. 

8. Reduce waste

Sell your old clothes to buy new ones will save you money and reduce the amount of new materials made. Some other examples include reusing your jam jar as a candle holder, using old tins as plant pots, finding a wooden panel and recreating it as a piece of furniture. Try to waste as little food as possible.

9. Avoid single-use plastics 

The impact of plastic pollution on our oceans is becoming increasingly clear. Challenge yourself to avoid using anything plastic, try to use a cotton bag instead of a plastic one. Shop in farmers markets. Get a reusable water bottle. Do not use plastic straws. Try zero waste shampoo. 

10. Go vegan for a day 

Do not eat meat, go vegetarian or vegan at least for one day. If each of us did that for one day a week it would make a huge difference worldwide and you can earn extra Earth Day points by making something plant-based.

We’re all in this together, and together we can build a more sustainable future.  Share these meaningful actions with your friends and family to change our lives and the planet.

Text: Neri Dijokaite