Earth Day sheds a global spotlight on being conscious about humanity’s impact on our planet, the unfortunate harm we’ve done to it, and the actions we can take to improve our environment and society. The impact each of us has on the planet varies, yet, it’s our diversity in backgrounds, passions, and experiences that will aid in bettering our environment and the world around us. On Earth Day, our collective efforts can set a positive and encouraging model for others to follow. But one day isn’t enough. A better earth every day starts with you.

As always, it’s good to start small. Think about an action you can start integrating into your daily life routine that is feasible and effective. My inspiration for simple and actionable steps to take following Earth Day comes from 50 Ways to Help. This is a great resource for integrating eco-friendly and environmentally conscious living into your lifestyle, offering a variety of actions and steps you can take to fit into your lifestyle. You don’t have to be a full-time environmental activist to positively contribute and help the planet you inhabit. It’s possible to make a difference, no matter how big or small that difference may be. Activist efforts can be small and consistent; everyday, ordinary people can make a difference. Like Alice Walker once remarked, ‘activism is the rent I pay for living on this planet.’

Think about what you can do to help. Can you start a recycling effort at your job? If they don’t have recycling bins, implement a recycling routine in your workplace and coordinate how you’ll transport the items that are recycled. The local library in my community accepts recycled batteries, and the maintenance of this recycling program is quick, easy, and doable. The school where I work doesn’t have a recycling program, so the onus is on individual teachers to recycle the bottles, cans, papers, and other recyclable items in their classrooms that students leave behind or try to throw out. It may seem overwhelming at first, but once a recycling routine is established and it becomes the ‘norm’ in your place of work, the impact will have a positive effect on your community and our planet.

It’s possible to make a difference, no matter how big or small that difference may be.

Resources like ‘50 Ways to Help the Planet,’ as well as many other environmentally conscious and helpful resources, make environmental activism accessible and doable. Maybe you’ll start by planting a tree at a local park, going vegetarian 1-2 times a week (or maybe for the long-haul like me!), turning the lights off when you’re not occupying a room anymore, or taking shorter showers. You have the potential as an individual who benefits from this planet to now give back to it. Integrate new ways to help out our planet regularly, spread the word, and model those actions for others. You never know what kind of positive and eco-friendly chain reaction you may spark!