Each year, 22nd April marks Earth Day, the day that we celebrate the Earth and consider ways to protect it. Earth Day began in 1970 and is considered the anniversary of the beginning of the modern day environmental movement. 

In those days, perhaps anyone wishing to consider the environment was unfairly branded a hippy or a tree hugger, but today, most of us are invested in the importance of considering the planet we all call home. 

Protecting the Earth doesn’t have to mean protesting or chaining ourselves to trees (unless we want to, of course). There are things we can all do at home and whilst we’re out and about, that are relatively easy and cost effective, that collectively, will have an impact. 

So, dear Earthlings, here’s our top tips for protecting the planet this Earth Day and beyond. 

• First up, be lazy and don’t mow the lawn! It’s spring and the temptation is to have a perfectly snipped pasture in the back garden. But all those dandelions and daisies are early food for our bees, without which, we’d be in a lot of trouble since they’re responsible for pollinating the plants that produce a third of the food we eat. So give the bees a feast and let your grass grow. Or, dedicate an area of lawn that you won’t mow, and sprinkle it with wildflower seeds. 
• Give yourself a feast too. Eating locally sourced, seasonal produce with less reliance on animal products is one of the most valuable things you can do for the planet. Browse our nutrition pages for our delicious plant-based recipes. You don’t have to go fully veggie or vegan, try dedicating one night a week to a meat free meal. When you do consume meat and fish, try to opt for sustainably farmed or sourced versions where possible and your budget allows. (Choosing to eat animal products less often may mean that you have the budget to choose more environmentally sound meat and fish.) 
• Food waste is an environmental disaster, with almost 7 million tonnes of food wasted each year in the UK alone. Rotting food sent to landfill produces methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas, 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Follow our tips for reducing food waste to help you reduce your impact on the planet. 
• Conserve water by saving the indulgent bubble baths for the weekend. During the week, shower instead, and consider turning the water off when you don’t need it, such as when lathering up your hair with shampoo or washing your body. Turn it back on again when it’s time to rinse.
• Consider using eco-friendly cleaning products that contain fewer or no harmful chemicals. Conventional cleaning products inevitably end up in our waterways as they get washed down our drains, often having a negative environmental impact. You may need a little extra elbow grease when using natural products, but that could be your workout for the day!