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From World Water Day to buying less for the planet, here is the ultimate list of Environmental Holidays 2024 to add to your calendar.
The start of a new year is a time to sit down with yourself and map out what you want the new year to look like. Some of us focus on advancing in our careers. There are those of us who create workout plans. And, others find ways to be more eco-conscious.
Living more sustainably- happens to be something that we can all easily achieve in 2024. Eating more vegan meals or taking public transit to work a few days each month are easy habits to adopt to reduce your carbon footprint. Another great way to be more environmentally conscious this year is to participate in an environmental holiday. Celebrate Global Recycling Day by learning how to recycle better. Hop on your bike for National Bike Month in May. Enjoy vegan meals for a week in honor of World Vegan Week. Celebrating these holidays dedicated to sustainable living and protecting the planet is a fun way to connect with your community and live sustainably.
JANUARY
Holiday: New Year’s Day
Date: January 1st
How to Celebrate: The start of a new year is marked by making resolutions. January 1st is the perfect time to sit down and create a list of ways you will be more eco-conscious. Whether you make it a goal to travel sustainability during vacations or learn to effectively compost, New Year’s Day is a great day for goal setting.
Holiday: National Bird Day
Date: January 5th
How to celebrate: To celebrate National Bird Day in an impactful way, set up bird feeders in your yard, go birdwatching, donate to a bird sanctuary, or research how to protect endangered bird species.
Holiday: International Environmental Education Day
Date: January 26th
How to celebrate: International Environmental Education Day is centered around educating the public on environmental issues and how to live more eco-conscious lives. Organize an environmental guest speaker event at work or your child’s school, get together with friends and watch a documentary on an environmental topic, or curl up on your couch and read books about sustainability.
FEBRUARY
Holiday: World Wetlands Day
Date: February 2nd
How to celebrate: The Environmental Protection Agency describes wetlands as “among the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world,” yet wetlands are rapidly depleting. To participate in this holiday, take a pledge to help protect Earth’s wetlands, talk to friends and family about the importance of wetland preservation, or visit local wetlands.
MARCH
Holiday: Global Recycling Day
Date: March 18th
How to celebrate: To make the most of Global Recycling Day, learn how to properly recycle, implement recycling practices in your home or workplace, or share recycling infographics on social media to educate family, friends, and followers.
Holiday: International Day of Zero Waste
Date: March 30th
How to celebrate: This new holiday was created by the United Nations in 2022. On this day, members of the UN promote zero-waste initiatives, but you can participate as well. Evaluate your current consumption habits and look for ways to adopt a zero waste lifestyle.
APRIL
Holiday: Earth Day
Date: April 22nd
How to celebrate: This would not be a comprehensive list if Earth Day, the most famous environmental holiday, was not mentioned. Search for environmental organizations and nonprofits in your area and plan a volunteer day with coworkers, classmates, or friends.
Holiday: National Arbor Day
Date: Last Friday in April
How to celebrate: Instead of simply watching The Lorax, get out in nature and admire the trees in your neighborhood, local park, or nearby nature preserve. Also consider donating to the Arbor Day Foundation or becoming a member of their organization.
MAY
Holiday: National Bike Month
Date: All month
How to celebrate: The League of American Bicyclists wants you to swap driving for biking in the month of May. The average person’s transportation carbon emissions drop by 67% when they swap driving for biking! Make it a goal to bike to work, school, the store, or a friend’s house at least once during the month of May.
Holiday: Fair Trade Day
Date: Second Saturday in May
How to celebrate: The world still does not possess a global economy where all workers are paid a living wage, eco-conscious practices are implemented, and farmers and artisans in developing countries are able to thrive without the threats of exploitation and slave labor. To participate in Fair Trade Day, learn why Fair Trade is so important and shop from Fairtrade Certified brands.
JUNE
Holiday: National Trails Day
Date: First Saturday in June
How to celebrate: The National Park Service and American Hiking Society team up every year for National Trails Day. All public lands and trails are part of this exciting event, so celebrate by visiting a local trail near you to hike, admire nature, and learn more about trail conservation.
Holiday: World Oceans Day
Date: June 8th
How to celebrate: Oceans make up about 71% of Earth’s surface! Tune into UN World Oceans Day on June 8th to learn more about these beautiful waters, how to protect the oceans, and hear from scientists, activists, and other esteemed speakers.
JULY
Holiday: National Hemp Month
Date: All month
How to celebrate: Hemp is a sustainable textile known for its durability and longevity. Look into purchasing products made from hemp, such as 8000Kicks’ Waterproof Hemp Shoes.
Holiday: National Clean Beaches Week
Date: July 1-7th
How to celebrate: Keep your local beaches beautiful by volunteering to participate in an organized beach cleanup, or simply go for a solo walk along the beach and collect garbage as you go.
AUGUST
Holiday: National Secondhand Wardrobe Day
Date: August 25th
How to celebrate: A 2023 study conducted by thredUP reveals that if every person chose to buy one item secondhand instead of new, it would save 23 billion gallons of water! Celebrate this sustainable holiday by hosting a clothing swap with friends, donating old clothing, or only shopping secondhand.
SEPTEMBER
Holiday: National Organic Month
Date: All month
How to celebrate: National Organic Month was created to raise awareness about the environmental and health benefits of organic farming and produce. Participate in this month-long holiday by buying organic groceries from your local farmers markets.
Holiday: National Public Lands Day
Date: Fourth Saturday in September
How to celebrate: National Public Lands Day is all about enjoying, admiring, and conserving public lands. Volunteer to restore a public park, pond, or forest near you. Use the National Environmental Education Foundation’s website to locate National Public Lands Day volunteer events near you.
OCTOBER
Holiday: International Day of Climate Action
Date: October 24th
How to celebrate: This holiday is all about addressing climate change, educating the public, and demanding policy changes. To participate, find environmental petitions to sign, reach out to elected officials, sign up to volunteer with environmental organizations, or engage in conversations with friends and family about the importance of addressing climate change.
NOVEMBER
Holiday: World Vegan Day
Date: November 1
How to celebrate: A vegan diet minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Celebrate World Vegan Day by only eating vegan meals on November 1st. Not sure where to start? Check out these cookbooks with delicious vegan recipes.
Holiday: “Buy Nothing Day” (Black Friday)
Date: The Friday after Thanksgiving
How to celebrate: Black Friday signals the start of holiday shopping season and is a day known for its incredible deals and cheaply priced items. While it can be tempting to go on a shopping spree, around 80% of items purchased on Black Friday are thrown away after minimal to no use. Instead of partaking in Black Friday, celebrate “Buy Nothing Day” and resist the urge to overconsume.
DECEMBER
Holiday: World Soil Day
Date: December 5th
How to celebrate: In 2013, the United Nations named December 5th World Soil Day. This holiday centers around educating the public on the importance of healthy soil and highlighting all the benefits soil has for the planet and its inhabitants. Celebrate by watching a documentary on soil, researching ways to prevent soil pollution, or even simply visiting a local park to examine and learn more about the types of soil present.
Holiday: *Celebrate the holidays mindfully*
Date: December
How to celebrate: The month of December is a busy time with holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. When celebrating these joyous holidays, remember to celebrate mindfully. A few ways to be environmentally conscious during the holiday season include buying gifts from sustainable and ethical brands, giving plants, mailing plantable cards, and switching to reusable wrapping paper.