6 Easy Ways to be Kinder to the Planet This Earth Day

Earth Day (April 22nd) is the perfect reminder that we don’t need to overhaul our lives to make a difference .Sometimes, it’s the small switches that add up to real impact.

Whether you’re heading to a festival, revamping your wardrobe, or just chilling at home, there are plenty of simple, sustainable swaps that make it easier to live a little greener.

1. Shop Smarter for Festivals

Let’s be honest, festival fashion is a vibe. But buying something cheap and sparkly that you’ll wear once? Not so much.

Instead of going full fast-fashion, try shopping secondhand through apps like Depop or Vinted, or hit your local charity shops for hidden gems. Better yet, dig into your own wardrobe and get creative with restyling old pieces.

Still want something new? Opt for Irish or independent brands with a focus on sustainability.

@festivalstyled vinted search hack to find cheap second hand rave outfits for sustainable festival clothes 🖤📦 #vinted #vintedhaul #vintedfinds #raveclothes #thriftwithme #thriftfinds #charityshop #comecharityshoppingwithme #charityshophaul #handmade #fairycore #crochet #charityshophaul #chairtyshopfinds #rave #techno #festival #festivaloutfit #technotok #ravetok #whattowear #styleanoutfit #unboxingvideos #smallclothingbrand #clothingunboxing #ravehaul #clothinghaul ♬ Beautiful Minimal Tech House – Yuki Takasaki

2. Be Energy-Conscious at Home

You don’t need to install solar panels to make a difference, just start with the basics.

Switch off lights when you’re not using them, unplug chargers and devices that are left on standby, swap out old bulbs for energy-saving LEDs, if you’re working from home, resist the urge to crank the heating and instead throw on a hoodie or blanket.

Another win? Line drying your clothes instead of tumble drying saves energy and helps your clothes last longer. Double win.

@notoxlife You won’t regret making the switch!!✨🤍 #notoxlife #dishblock #fypシ゚viral #kitchen #foryou #zerowaste ♬ оригинальный звук – 🅞🅩🅖🅔🅢🅗🅔🌺

3. Rethink Your Beauty Routine

Sustainable beauty has come a long way. Refillable packaging, solid shampoos and conditioners, and brands that offer recycling schemes are a great place to start.

Big brands like Lush and Garnier now have easy ways to recycle empties. You can also support local Irish beauty brands that use minimal packaging and natural ingredients.

Bonus: many of these swaps are also gentler on your skin.

@amycoomey @So Eco very kindly gifted me with a gorgeous brush set that I just have to show off! 💖 They’re cruelty free & Vegan🌱 #gifted #pr #soeco #ecofriendly #environmentallyfriendly #vegan #makeup #makeupbrushes #beauty #products #irish #ugc #ugccreator #ugccontentcreator ♬ original sound – Amy

4. Bring Your Own… Everything

Single-use plastic? We don’t know her. Keeping a few reusables on hand, like a tote bag, coffee cup, water bottle and even cutlery, can seriously reduce your daily waste.

You don’t need a Pinterest worthy zero-waste kit either, just start with what’s practical for you and build from there. Every time you say no to a disposable cup or plastic straw, you’re making a difference.

@ysabelhilado DIY TRIANGLE ORIGAMI TOTE 🤍 So chic and stylish! #sewing #sewingtutorial #sewingdiy #fashiondesign #tiktokfashionmonth ♬ U Are My High – DJ Snake

5. Eat More Plants (Even Just Sometimes)

No one’s saying you have to go full vegan overnight, but cutting back on meat and dairy just a few times a week has a huge impact on the environment.

Try a meatless Monday, experiment with veggie recipes, or explore some of the great plant-based options at your local supermarket or takeaway spot.

You might discover a new favourite dish and do something good for the planet.

@rachelama Me go-to weeknight plant meals that always make me happy 😊 50ml soy sauce 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tbsp runny tahini 1 tsp agave 2 tsp brown rice vinegar 1 tbsp Chinese five spice (optional) 1 thumb of ginger 3 cloves of garlic 1 block firm tofu 1-2 tbsp corn starch 2 tbsp oil Spelt noodles from @bionaorganic Cucumbers Apple cider vinegar Salt #vegandinners #plantmeals #plantbaseddinners #highproteinveganmeals ♬ original sound – Rachel Ama

6. Get Informed and Get Involved

One of the best things you can do for the planet? Educate yourself. Follow eco-creators on TikTok and Instagram for tips, hacks and inspo.

Look up local clean-up days or clothing swaps you can take part in. Earth day is also a great excuse to start convos with your friends about sustainability, because change always happens faster when we’re in it together.

Earth Day is a great moment to reflect, reset, and re-evaluate how we treat the planet, but it doesn’t have to end there.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember, no one can do everything, but we can all do something.

Words by Emilia Cercel