How to Celebrate Earth Month: 10 Actions to Make a Difference

Earth Month is a time for reflection and action—an opportunity to focus on how we can all make a positive impact on the planet. This month, we encourage you to consider how the choices you make on a daily basis can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Whether it’s reducing waste, supporting ethical businesses, or getting involved in community efforts, Earth Month serves as a reminder that we can all play a part in protecting the environment.

At Tare Market, we believe that making sustainable choices doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and we’re here to be a resource every step of the way. From educational content on our social media to the zero-waste products we offer online and in-store, we aim to provide the tools and knowledge to help you live a more eco-conscious life no matter where you are in the journey. We also host events like clothing swaps, which reduce waste by extending the life of garments and reducing the need for new production. Earth Month is the perfect time to start implementing these changes one step at a time, and we’re excited to share some actions you can take to celebrate and make a difference.

Here are 10 actionable steps you can take to honor the Earth this month—and every month.

1. Conduct a Trash Audit

A trash audit is one of the best ways to understand what you’re throwing away and identify areas for improvement. It can help you pinpoint the biggest culprits in your waste stream in your household and guide you to reduce them. At Tare Market, we’ve created a FREE Trash Audit E-Book to help you assess your waste and come up with a plan to decrease it. By conducting a trash audit, you'll be able to make informed decisions about what you can reduce, reuse, or recycle more effectively. 

DOWNLOAD E-BOOK HERE

2. Go Plastic-Free

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues today. According to a study by the United Nations, about 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean every year, making up 80% of marine waste, harming marine life and ecosystems (1). This Earth Month, challenge yourself to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics. Start with small changes, like using reusable bags, swapping plastic water bottles for reusable ones, or opting for products with minimal packaging.

Check out our Top 21 Eco Swaps for Plastic Free July blog post as well for a number of plastic-free swaps you can make for everyday items in your life! 

3. Start Composting

Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact. 33% of all food is wasted before it’s even eaten and much of which could be diverted from landfills through composting. When organic waste is sent to landfills, it generates methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Instead, composting turns food scraps into nutrient-rich soil that can help your garden thrive.

Check out our Composting 101 blog to get started.

4. Support Sustainable Brands and Shop Bulk

This Earth Month, consider supporting brands that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. Take another look at the fiber content of your clothing, ingredients list of your food, and even where it’s made. From companies that use renewable energy to those offering eco-friendly products and packaging, there are many ways to shop in a way that is better for both your wallet, and your health. Tare Market is dedicated to offering a wide range of zero-waste and plastic-free products that are good for you and the planet.

Supporting sustainable, or small, may result in a higher price point because we don’t have the same purchasing power as larger co-ops or corporations, but also because our products are usually higher quality. At Tare Market, for example, many of our products are locally and organically sourced.

SHOP OUR EARTH MONTH COLLECTION

If you are not local to Minneapolis, we recommend checking out Refill Directory to find a refill/bulk shop near you!

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

While recycling is an important step in reducing waste, it's essential to prioritize reducing and reusing first. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that recycling and composting of municipal waste saves over 193 million metric tons of CO2 (2). 

This Earth Month, aim to reduce your consumption of disposable items and choose instead to reuse, repurpose and fix items instead of throwing them in the landfill. 

Check in with your county to see if they offer any repair clinics — where volunteers host and help fix your items to give it another life! Hennepin County (MN) hosts Fix It Clinics once a month at locations all over the county! 

6. Participate in a Local Clean-Up

Get outside and participate in a local clean-up event to help remove waste from streets, parks, lakes, beaches, or waterways. Studies show that littering harms both the environment and wildlife, as animals can ingest or become entangled in waste, causing injury or death (3). By participating in a clean-up, you’re directly improving the environment in your community.

If you can’t make it to one of these clean-ups, consider bringing a bucket or trash bag with you on your next walk or outing and pick up trash along the way! Every step makes a difference.

Check local event calendars or join global initiatives like the Great Global Cleanup.

7. Grow Your Own Food

Growing your own food doesn’t require a huge backyard or garden space. Even a small balcony or windowsill can be turned into a little garden! Growing herbs, greens, or small vegetables like tomatoes or peppers can reduce your carbon footprint by cutting down on the need for store-bought, packaged produce. Plus, it’s a great way to eat fresh, nutritious food.

8. Take Public Transportation or Carpool

Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. If driving is a necessity, consider carpooling with others to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Alternatively, explore local public transportation options or biking to reduce your carbon footprint while getting where you need to go. This small change can add up over time in helping to reduce air pollution and energy consumption.

9. Opt for Eco-Friendly Household Products

This Earth Month, make a switch to eco-friendly household products that are safe for both you and the environment. From non-toxic cleaning supplies to biodegradable sponges and paper towels, there are plenty of options that won’t harm the planet. At Tare Market, we carry a variety of sustainable and plastic-free products for your home and personal care routine, and also carry ingredients for you to make your own. 

Check out our Green Cleaning blog post here for some cleaning spray recipes! 

10. Reduce Your Energy Consumption at Home

Simple changes to your daily habits can help reduce energy consumption at home. Turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, using energy-efficient appliances, and adjusting your thermostat can all help reduce your home’s carbon footprint. These small actions can have a big impact when practiced consistently.

As the summer months come around, consider opening up the windows instead of running the AC, or use fans instead. 

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Doing just one of these actions makes a huge difference. It’s about taking small, manageable actions that, when combined, can create a meaningful impact on the environment. By starting with things like conducting a trash audit, reducing plastic use, and growing your own food, you're contributing to a more sustainable future. Each effort, no matter how small, plays a role in reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering carbon footprints.

At Tare Market, we believe that living sustainably should be accessible to everyone and that’s why we’re here to support your journey with educational resources, eco-friendly products, and events that help reduce waste and encourage mindful consumption. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on this journey for a while, every step you take makes a difference.

But, one thing we hope to instill is that every day is earth day. So, even beyond April, we hope you’ll continue building on these actions and carrying on a zero waste lifestyle! 

Sources: 

1. https://unglobalcompact.org/take-action/ocean/communication/end-waste-entering-the-ocean

2. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics-and-benefits

3. https://oceanconservancy.org/