The Earth Day Network announced the theme of “Invest in Our Planet” as the official 2022 Earth Day plan. While it may seem intended to help urge large companies to adopt more ecological safe practices, investing in the plant can involve some basic day-to-day practices.

We’ve urged this step in the past, and we keep coming back to it because it remains one of the most straightforward practices to start with Earth Day.

Outdoor activities have been growing more popular since 2020, and walking has continued to be an effective way for people to stay healthy. Some have argued that running can be more beneficial for the human heart than running, as walking happens to be a less-efficient way of moving the body from one place to the other and demands greater physical exertion.

While that’s debatable, walking definitely proves to be a good way to invest in the planet. In addition to getting outdoor exercise, walking can also encourage neighborhoods and municipal organizations to invest more in pedestrian safety and greener areas. If enough people can be seen using a walking path, it’s possible the people who maintain the path will spend more time and money developing the path to benefit both the people and the environment.

Gyms can be great tools for getting healthy, but outdoor walks can be healthier for the body and soul.

Because sometimes “Investing in the Planet” can also mean “Investing in Home Improvement,” planting something can be an excellent way to observe Earth Day.

So what do we mean by “Investing in Home Improvement?” When it comes to planting things, the general thought might be plant fruits and vegetables which can be harvested from your back yard (or a window box, depending on your living arrangements) and immediately transferred to your dinner plate.

However, you can also invest in your home and the environment by planting trees or choosing plants that can be used by the animals and insects in your environment. For example, if you send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Live Monarch Foundation in Blairsville, GA, the organization will send a packet of milkweed seeds native to your area. You get to plant and cultivate plants that can beautify your home while attracting caterpillars that will eventually become butterflies.

Also, you can replenish dead plants and trees by planting new ones. If the oak tree in your neighborhood died from rot or termites, plant a new sapling to replace it.

Most suburban neighborhoods offer a recycling pickup service that operates like garbage collection. However, make sure to keep plastic grocery bags out of the recycle bin. The bags can get caught in the recycling machine’s gears.

When all else fails, considering donating to schools and non-profit organizations that engage in earth-friendly activities.

It should be noted here that investing, even in non-profit organizations, can be a hit-or-miss experience. So if you’re not sure about making a financial donation, do some research about the organization before committing any fundraising to their cause. You’re probably safe with school organizations, but it never hurts to do some research and know for sure.