52 ways to Celebrate Earth Day

At the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the staff work hard every day to protect Michigan's air, land, water, and public health. There are many ways that you can help, too - not just on Earth Day, but all year long. Learn about what EGLE is doing, and consider the following ways, big and small, that you can contribute to a more sustainable Michigan and a healthier planet.

1. Learn about how EGLE protects Michiganders by addressing Environmental Justice.
2. Check out EGLE's Recycling Directory to find places to recycle unique materials like concrete, bricks, tires, and food waste.
3. Learn about how ozone can impact human health and what to do on a Clean Air Action! day.
4. Become a Clean Water Ambassador to help ensure clean drinking water is accessible to all.
5. Learn about Michigan's Geology from EGLE's Oil, Gas, and Minerals Division.
6. Learn how to identify and report invasive species that threaten Michigan's land and water.
7. Explore the new MI Healthy Climate Plan and find out how you can help fight climate change.
8. Learn about landfills and visualize how they work with a fun edible landfill activity!
9. Protect our inland lakes by becoming a Shoreland Steward.
10. Learn about E. coli in our surface waters and check out EGLE's E. coli Pollution and Solution Mapper to find out what can be done to address this water quality challenge.
11. Conduct a home energy assessment to find out how you can improve energy efficiency. There are lots of ways that energy efficiency can save you money while saving the planet!
12. Find out what watershed you live in and what nearby water quality looks like. See if your watershed has a watershed management plan that you can contribute to.
13. Learn how to protect yourself and others from asbestos during demolition and renovation.
14. Find out where your drinking water comes from and how it's cleaned. Do you get a water bill? Then you're likely on a community water supply. If not, you likely have a well water.
15. Test your home for radon to make sure your home's lower levels are safe for your family.
16. Learn what EGLE is doing to create a charging network for electric vehicles.
17. Check out Beach Guard for water quality information and Great Lakes Beach Hazards for swimming hazards so that you know when and where it's safe to swim this summer.
18. Learn about Michigan's amazing sand dunes and what activities will require a permit.
19. Visit a former brownfield site to see the transformation that can occur when communities and EGLE work together to clean up contaminated land.
20. Learn how to recycle with Michigan's Recycling Raccoons.
21. Find out what household hazardous waste is and bring any you have to a local collection site.
22. Learn about the importance of proper electronics recycling from EGLE's sustainability experts.
23. Don't dump old medications down the drain or flush them down the toilet! Instead, find a Household Drug Takeback Location or Event near you to dispose of them safely.
24. Learn how EGLE monitors air quality and sign up for air quality forecasts and Action Day alerts.
25. Be Septic Smart! Maintain your septic system to protect health and the environment.
26. Volunteer at an Earth Day or other environmental event.
27. Find and fix leaky pipes to conserve water and save money.
28. Learn about the most common type of pollution in our waterways - nonpoint source pollution - and how what you do at home and how you landscape can make a difference.
29. Learn about Michigan's 30-year Water Strategy to protect, manage, and enhance our waters.
30. Plant a tree! You can find out the value of trees in your backyard, schoolyard, or neighborhood to fight climate change, reduce stormwater runoff, and even save you money.
31. Recycling your old refrigerator or freezer helps protect the ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Contact your local electric utility to find out about available rebate programs.
32. Switch incandescent light bulbs to LED's, which use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
33. Test your knowledge of the Great Lakes State (and maybe learn something new) by playing the MichiGame trivia game with your friends, family, or coworkers.
34. Help scientists learn more about wildlife, invasive species, water quality, the effects of climate change and much more by participating in Community or Citizen Science activities.
35. Learn what EGLE is doing to help address PFAS contamination in Michigan. If you live in an affected community and want to get involved, you can join a Citizens Advisory Workgroup.
36. Plant a garden that helps pollinators and wildlife. Share what you learn with others!
37. Learn how EGLE protects environmental and public health during oil and gas development.
38. Relax with a good book and read something that inspires you to care for your environment - Check out the 100 Best Nature Books of All Time.
39. Learn how to connect with Nature in Your Neighborhood, no matter where you live.
40. Become a Paddle Steward and learn how you can help protect the waterways you love while enjoying them from a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.
41. Learn about how wetlands protect us from flooding, provide homes for wildlife, improve water quality, and more. Find historic and current wetlands near you.
42. Clean up litter in your neighborhood. Don't forget to keep storm drains clear!
43. Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to global carbon dioxide emissions. Learn how reducing food waste can fight climate change.
44. Over 25% of the waste in landfills can be composted, and but instead generates methane as it decomposes in landfills. Building a compost pile is an easy way to help fight climate change.
45. Learn how water quality is monitored by EGLE. Find a local water quality monitoring effort that you can participate in, like the MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program, the Cooperative Lake Monitoring Program, or the H20 Q Monitoring Program for students.
46. Help support a local school in becoming a Michigan Green School.
47. Support a Michigan business that exemplifies the highest standards of social, environmental, and economic responsibility by finding a B Corp or Good for Michigan business near you.
48. Find out how EGLE's "Rock Library" helps us better understand Michigan's geology and how our "Rock Librarian" identifies unknown specimens.
49. Learn how EGLE uses spatial data to inform decisions and improve environmental solutions.
50. Give your old tires new life by finding out where you can recycle scrap tires.
51. Look for EPA's WaterSense label when purchasing showerheads, faucets, toilets, and sprinklers.
52. Learn about Michigan's "sixth Great Lake" - Groundwater! Find out how you can get involved in protecting it and share educational resources with teachers and students.

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