Editor’s note: Mekaila Rickert did all graphics, both print and online. This has been corrected for the online version.

Monday is National Earth Day; it reminds us of our negative impacts on the environment, but more importantly, it is a call to action for environmental conservation and sustainability. 

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Kansas will likely have four times as many days above 100 degrees by 2050.

There are multiple ways to give back to the planet on Earth Day — and every day — and here are a few to start.

Education

Advocating for climate education is a great start toward ensuring a healthier planet. Numerous organizations provide opportunities to donate, participate and educate yourself on environmental issues. Groups like the Environmental Defense Fund, the Climate Foundation and the World Climate Foundation offer resources to research and understand the state of the Earth. These organizations are great avenues for donating and educating yourself on climate change, providing ways for you to positively impact the planet. 

Switch to reusable bags 

According to an LA County Public Works article by Sharon Jacobsen, over 500 billion plastic bags are used yearly, with 100 billion of those used by Americans alone.

“Plastic bags are difficult and costly to recycle and most end up on landfill sites where they take around 300 years to photodegrade,” Jacobsen said. “They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them.”

On your next grocery trip, try opting for reusable or paper bags instead. This way, you actively contribute to reducing plastic consumption during your weekly errands.

Attend K-State events

Organizations at Kansas State like the Students for Environmental Action Club, KSU Sustainability Club and Ecology Club are great ways to give back to the Earth with friends.

Another way to take action is attending events like the Earth Day Celebration in Bosco Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 22. The celebration highlights local ways to celebrate the Earth and give back to the environment, and it’ll have a free lunch.

Volunteer

Investing time and expressing genuine concern for the planet is one of the biggest ways to give back to the environment. You can participate in this year’s Earth Day by volunteering, like picking up trash or local environmental outreach. 

Everyone doing a little for the Earth has a big collective impact on the planet. Small actions like picking up trash or donating to climate change organizations add up and are the key to ensuring a healthier planet.