Earth Day In The Age Of Social Distancing: How To Join In From Home

Since 1970, Earth Day has been a moment to celebrate and protect the planet through tree plantings, cleanups, and other in-person community gatherings. But its 50th anniversary is historic in more ways than one: For the first time ever, Earth Day is going digital, so those of us who are stuck inside can still engage with the holiday in a meaningful way. Here are eight activities you can do to ring in Earth Day from your own home, backyard, or, yes, Zoom screen:

On April 23, at 6 p.m. EDT, you and your family can also take on Cotopaxi's annual Questival challenge. Each year for Earth Day, the outdoor gear company puts on a scavenger hunt that can be done from anywhere in the world to encourage everyday adventure. This year, they're adjusting their challenges to follow social distancing guidelines and all proceeds (it's $10 to opt in) will go to IRC Crisis Response Fund.

While not quite the same as visiting a national park or exploring a nearby forest, connecting with plants and animals through photos and digital streamings can be restorative too (and there's research to prove it1!). Get lost in a coral reef exhibit with The Monterey Bay Aquarium, an underwater view of Channel Islands National Park with the park service, a daffodil display with The New York Botanical Garden, a or a bustling ranch with The Nature Conservancy.

At 2 p.m. EDT on Earth Day, the Discovery Channel will premiere The Story of Plastic, a new documentary about the toll of plastic pollution worldwide. Throughout the rest of the week, EarthxFilm will be streaming new short and feature-length films that bring dozens of environmental issues to life. Check out the full movie lineup here.

There's always been an educational component to Earth Day, and this year many panels and events are being streamed online for free or at a low cost. You can tune in to hear:

If you have a little more time on your hands, you can also listen to one of the many digital climate conferences convening throughout the week:

If you're a parent looking for resources for your child, TED-Ed and the UN Environment Programme just launched Earth School—an online learning platform where one video kid-friendly lesson will be posted every day from Earth Day until World Environment Day on June 5.

Take to social media to share a sustainable pledge you're making this year with #EarthMonth and @onetreeplanted, and One Tree Planted will plant a tree in your honor. Or download an app and take part in a conservation effort from your neighborhood: The EC2020 asks users to take photos of their horizon lines to compile information about air quality around the world; Earth Challenge 2020 instructs users on how to collect data about their local air and water quality and insect populations; and Litterati is all about using citizen recordings to help construct a map of litter around the world.

If you're in a position to spend money right now, consider supporting companies whose products have a lower environmental impact or are making special sustainable pledges in honor of Earth Day, such as:

If you do buy something today, consider its entire lifecycle: What will happen to it once you're done with it? Look into companies that are working with secondhand platform ThredUp—Reformation is on the list, and as of today Abercrombie & Fitch and Reebok are too—to ensure that the item can eventually be re-sold or re-purposed.

During these trying times, nature can be a source of strength and a reminder of the resilience of all living things. If you're lucky enough to come in contact with it on your walk or run this Earth Day, slow down and appreciate it with a mindfulness ritual. If you are spending the day indoors, be transported to a beautiful place with a nature-inspired meditation or visualization, or show your houseplants some extra love by bringing them to a "dance with plants" Zoom party. If you feel inspired to make art out of what you see, the World Wildlife Fund is hosting an Art For Earth campaign this year, where they'll be sharing tips about how to let your creativity run wild during quarantine.