10 recommendations to inspire change and bring you closer to to the natural world this Earth Day

We’re celebrating Earth Day with 10 recommendations to inspire you to make changes, take action, and bring you closer to the natural world

1. Page-turners

One: Pot, Pan, Planet: A Greener Way to Cook for You, Your Family and the Planet by Anna Jones

If sustainable cooking is on your agenda, One Pot, Pan, Planet is the book for you. Teaching us how to cook with the planet in mind is award-winning cook Anna Jones, who shares quick and delicious one-pot, one-pan, and one-tray recipes, as well as providing tips for using leftovers and ensuring less waste.

(Fourth Estate Publishing, hardback RRP £28)

2. Out and about

Go on a seasonal scavenger hunt

What better way to venture into spring and celebrate the wonders of the outdoor world than with a scavenger hunt? From spotting seasonal flowers to colourful insects, it’s an activity that invites us to be present and helps us recognise that we are only a small part of such a magnificent world.

(Head to shop.happiful.com/happiful-creations to download your free scavenger hunt card)

3. Act of kindness

Clean up your planet

Wherever you venture, be it by sandy shores or the riverside on a paddle-boarding expedition, there are so many fun ways that you can help clean up the planet, and show the environment some much-needed love, with litter picking. Where will your act of kindness begin?

(Search ‘litter picking’ for information and groups near you)

4. Lend us your ears

‘Relax with Animal Facts’

Unlock your curiosity about our animal kingdom with Stefan Wolfe, an animal lover who reveals facts about the fascinating creatures we share our planet with. From the peaceful dugong to the mythical reindeer, learn about the behaviours and habitats these animals thrive in, along with relaxation techniques.

(Available on all podcast platforms)

5. Plugged-In

Ben & Ciara | Sustainability

From a project banishing food waste and hunger in London, to innovative tech changing fog into drinking water, there are many sustainability initiatives we don’t know about, but thankfully environmentalists Ben and Ciara are here to share positive stories implementing world change.

(@goinggreenmedia on TikTok)

6. Lesson Learned

Dust your fridge

If you need a reason to clean your fridge and give it some extra TLC, let this be the one. When your fridge collects dust, it uses extra energy to keep it running smoothly, which is not only bad for our planet but also costs you extra. You can make it more energy efficient and kinder for the planet simply by making sure there is no build-up of dust on the vents and coils.

7. Tech tip-offs

OceanHero

Next time you’re browsing the web, grab your virtual cape and switch to OceanHero! This small change to the way you search online helps OceanHero in the fight against ocean pollution by supporting its efforts to recover ocean-bound plastic, one search at a time.

(Head to oceanhero.today/search to browse)

8. Get going

Greenify your usualfitness routine

People are becoming more eco-conscious in all aspects of life, including with exercise, but small adjustments go a long way. So, why not start by replacing your indoor fitness workout with an outdoor one to reduce electricity? You can also train with makeshift weights from items around the house.

9. Square eyes

The Year Earth Changed

While the pandemic lockdown was a troubling time for many, one positive that came from it was that it temporarily stunted global emissions, and opened up the doors for nature to flourish. In this incredible documentary, we see just how much of a positive impact this had with never before seen footage, narrated by David Attenborough.

(Available to watch on Apple TV+)

10. Treat yourself

Aromatherapy Shower Steamers

Who said you can’t treat yourself while being kind to the planet? These beautifully crafted handmade aromatherapy steamers are one way to bring joy into your everyday routine, while being kind to the environment. It uses 100% essential oils and compostable packaging to bring you a little self-care goodness.

(£25, thedeadseaco.com)