“The foods we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable all come from nature.”

In this busy, complex society, it’s easy to forget that everything we do is supported and derived from nature. When you’re hunkered up in a city centre apartment, or work long 12 hours days in an office, the environment can become a side thought; separate from us… even though it’s the very thing that fuels us every single day.

That’s why World Environment Day exists.

Since 1974, on the 5th of June every year, people all over the globe celebrate World Environment Day. It’s a day to learn, act, reconnect, and ultimately focus on a particular environmental issue. World Environment Day encourages governments, businesses, celebrities, and citizens to engage in action and push for change.

The theme this year is biodiversity; the essential variety of life forms on earth. World Environment Day aims to bring awareness to the declining levels of biodiversity worldwide and help us to understand how every organism brings balance and health to the ecosystem it inhabits.

World Environment Day 2020 is on its way, and even though celebrations may look slightly different from last year, here are 5 easy ways to celebrate!

Be in nature

World Environment Day is the perfect time to set off on a hike, head to the beach, catch some waves, dig your feet into fresh grass, and generally spend more time in nature than usual.

If you have the privilege of being close to nature, reveal in it. If you don’t, turn on a ‘nature’ soundtrack, take a moment to reflect on photos of your past adventures outdoors, watch a classic David Attenborough series, or read books that take you from your bedroom and into the wilderness.

Host a screening

Observe World Environment Day by hosting a screening of an environment focused documentary. You know what they say; knowledge is power! Gather a group of 10 people maximum (or even just your own ‘bubble’) and pop on Our Planet, 2040, A Plastic Ocean, River Blue or a biodiversity related documentary that takes your fancy. Our friends over at CaliWoods have recommended a few more documentaries here.

Make Plastic Free July commitments

With Plastic Free July so close, use the 5th of June as an opportunity to plan ahead and set goals for your PFJ mission. Use our blog post on Ways To Make Your Plastic Free July Goals Stick to help you plan your personal targets and set yourself up for the most successful PFJ yet.

Do something positive for the planet

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re an eco warrior already! But World Environment Day calls us to act further. On the 5th of June, consider biking to work instead of driving, explore how to source your produce and proteins in a sustainable way, establish a compost bin, swap out chemical based bathroom and beauty products for natural options (we can help with that! Head to our conscious beauty and lifestyle store), swap out plastic packaged products for waste-free options (we can help with that too! Check out our Waste Free Essentials) or avoid using plastic for the entire day.

Do you have green fingers? Or maybe you dabble in the garden? Planting a vast array of flowers and plants is a great way to encourage biodiversity and do you part for the planet too.

Go on a natural scavenger hunt

Are you up for getting creative on World Environment Day this year? Set off on a natural scavenger hunt! This is best enjoyed with others, especially the smaller humans in your life.

Before you leave, write a list of things you have to spot. Perhaps a butterfly, a particular species of bird, a snail, a skeleton, something blue, or something exotic. Ensure you are respectful of the wildlife around you (leave everything as you found it), but tick off items from your list as you encounter and observe them.