Celebrate Earth Day this year by showing you care about the environment. There are many ways in which you as an individual can contribute to environmental awareness causes and make a difference in your home, school or community. Your involvement can encourage others and set off a chain reaction to promote a healthier environment.

Rather than making your green efforts a one-time affair, consider incorporating these eco-friendly habits into your lifestyle for an even greater impact in preserving the environment. Here are a few simple ways to join in on the Earth Day fun.

Give your car a rest and walk, hike or ride a bike to get to nearby destinations. If the populace of U.S. drivers would make this a habit, it would amount to a savings of 70 million gallons of fuel annually. More exercise will do you good physically and give you a greater appreciation for your natural environment.

Plan a meatless dinner for the occasion. Pasta with scrumptious Alfredo or marinara sauce or grilled veggie burgers make savory additions to your menu. .Going meatless at least once a week can help to conserve water and topsoil as well as reduce air pollution.

Find a worthy spot and plant a tree for Earth Day. Trees help to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and combat global warming. They also produce oxygen, provide shade in hot summer climates and offer a safe and secure place for birds to raise their young. By planting a fruit tree, you’ll have luscious fruit to eat for years to come.

Enjoy a picnic lunch with family and friends in your favorite park or outdoor environment. Your local health food store and farmer’s market can provide healthy treats and produce for the occasion.

Plant a flower garden. Flowers add color and beauty to any outdoor environment. You could also gift attractive plants or flowers to someone you love to brighten their day and remind them of the natural beauty of God’s creation.

Start a paper recycling drive at work to reduce the waste of paper in your office. All you need is a few co-workers to back your project. Set up attractive recycle boxes next to the Xerox machine and other strategic locations and encourage everyone to do their part.

By incorporating green practices and pledges into your lifestyle, your Earth Day celebrations will make a marked difference in your community over time.