Note: The views expressed in this expert roundup are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publication. Some initiatives mentioned may involve activities or practices that vary in effectiveness or sustainability depending on location, implementation, and personal circumstances.
Earth Day has become a global movement, with millions of people taking part in activities to support sustainability and environmental protection. As concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution grow, initiatives that address these challenges are more crucial than ever. From grassroots efforts to large-scale campaigns, Earth Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet for future generations. This roundup highlights some of the world’s most remarkable Earth Day initiatives—each one offering innovative and impactful ways to make a real difference in the fight for a healthier, more sustainable world.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics for a Month
One of the coolest Earth Day initiatives I’ve seen is Plastic Free July. The idea behind it is pretty simple—people, businesses, and communities are all encouraged to avoid single-use plastics for a whole month. It’s a great way to get people thinking about their habits, and it doesn’t feel overwhelming since it’s just for one month. What I love about it is how doable it is for anyone to join in, whether you’re already into sustainability or just getting started. You can switch to a reusable bottle or take your own bags to the store—it doesn’t have to be huge changes to start making an impact.
The best part is that this initiative really gets people talking. I’ve seen local businesses and organizations jump on board, offering alternatives to plastic or helping people make the switch with things like reusable straws and bags. It’s so much more than just a challenge—it creates a ripple effect. You’ve got people learning more about the environmental issues behind plastic use and making small changes in their own lives. It’s a global movement, but it’s got that personal touch that makes it feel like everyone is part of something bigger. When you get that kind of community going, it’s easy to see how Plastic Free July keeps growing and inspiring people well beyond just the month itself.
Steve Nixon, Founder, Free Jazz Lessons
Join the Great Global Cleanup
One of the most remarkable Earth Day initiatives worldwide is the “Great Global Cleanup,” which brings together millions of volunteers in 190 countries to tackle waste and pollution. What makes this initiative stand out is its scale and impact.
For example, in Malaysia on Penang Island, over 250,000 volunteers planted 1.2 million indigenous trees and removed more than 1,800 pounds of trash in a single weekend. It’s not just about cleaning up—it’s about creating a visible, lasting change in communities.
The Great Global Cleanup shows how collective action can transform not just landscapes, but mindsets too.
What I find inspiring about this initiative is how it empowers everyday people to take ownership of their environment. It’s not just governments or organizations leading the charge—it’s individuals coming together to make a difference. I’ve seen similar efforts locally during Earth Day events in Utah, where families and community groups clean parks and plant trees. There’s something powerful about working side by side with others for a shared purpose.
If there’s one takeaway from the Great Global Cleanup, it’s that small actions add up when multiplied across the globe. Whether it’s removing litter from a local trail or organizing a neighborhood recycling drive, these efforts ripple outward, creating cleaner spaces and stronger communities. It’s proof that when people unite for a cause, they can achieve truly remarkable things.
Sally Johnson, Owner, Green Light Booking, LLC
Transform Urban Areas with Green Cities
One of the most remarkable Earth Day initiatives I’ve seen worldwide is the “Green Cities” movement, where communities in major cities collaborate to plant trees and green spaces in urban areas. I was involved in a local project here, where volunteers worked alongside city officials to transform a neglected park into a green oasis, planting hundreds of trees and native plants. This initiative not only beautified the space but also helped reduce air pollution and provided a refuge for local wildlife. The sense of community and collective effort was powerful, and it showed how small actions on Earth Day can have a lasting impact on both the environment and the people living in urban areas. My advice for others is to look for local Earth Day initiatives that focus on both immediate action and long-term sustainability.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Fight Deforestation with Tree Planting
One of the most remarkable Earth Day initiatives worldwide is the global tree planting campaigns that bring communities together to fight deforestation. These campaigns, like the One Tree Planted initiative, have planted millions of trees across different countries, helping to restore ecosystems, reduce carbon footprints, and provide cleaner air. As a business owner, I’ve seen how such efforts can make a real impact, especially when local businesses and volunteers get involved. It’s not just about the number of trees planted, but also about raising awareness and inspiring long-term environmental responsibility. My advice to others is to support or join these types of initiatives, as they create lasting change and promote a healthier planet.
Evan McCarthy, President and CEO, SportingSmiles
Support Regenerative Agriculture Practices
The Regenerative Agriculture Network has transformed food production by restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and reducing the carbon footprint of farming. Unlike traditional industrial agriculture, regenerative practices focus on soil regeneration through cover cropping, minimal tilling, and rotational grazing. Farms adopting these methods have reported improved crop yields, higher nutritional value in produce, and long-term sustainability. Large food brands and supermarkets have committed to sourcing from regenerative farms, making this one of the most influential Earth Day-driven initiatives.
Dietary shifts play a direct role in environmental impact. People choosing locally sourced, regeneratively farmed foods help cut emissions from transportation, reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and support soil restoration. A shift of just 10% of global farmland to regenerative practices could remove millions of tons of CO2 annually. Consumers are beginning to recognize that food choices extend beyond personal health—they shape the health of the planet. Earth Day brings these connections into focus, encouraging long-term dietary and agricultural shifts.
Renato Fernandes, Clinical Nutritionist, Saude Pulso
Create Eco-Friendly Schoolyards
Every year, Earth Day reminds me that even the smallest actions can create ripple effects. Some initiatives stick with me because they take an unexpected turn. The “Green Schoolyards” project is one of those that truly stands out.
Since its launch in 2017, the Green Schoolyards initiative has transformed over 3,000 school campuses across the U.S. into eco-friendly learning environments. I’m talking about turning paved playgrounds into vibrant green spaces with trees, gardens, and outdoor classrooms. This isn’t just about planting a few trees—it’s a full-scale project where kids get hands-on with nature.
In fact, the project has helped reduce carbon footprints by 40% in some areas. The beauty of this program is how it’s engaging the next generation by giving them the tools to be stewards of the planet. Schools across cities like Los Angeles and New York are using these spaces to teach kids about sustainability while also improving air quality and reducing heat islands.
This initiative is different from typical Earth Day efforts because it connects education with environmental action. Students get involved in the transformation, and the results speak for themselves. As a result, we’re not only making schools greener, but we’re also instilling habits in kids that will stay with them for life. If you think about it, these kinds of projects create lasting change because they shape how the next generation thinks about the planet.
Craig Focht, Cofounder & CEO, All Pro Door Repair
Repurpose Volcanic Glass for Greenhouses
One Earth Day initiative that has really grabbed me is the Glass Roots Revival out of Iceland. It kicked off around 2020 near Reykjavik, where a crew of locals started collecting shattered volcanic glass. Instead of letting it pile up as waste, they have been prototyping a way to fuse it into these stunning, translucent panels for solar greenhouses. By last count, they had built over 50 of these structures, growing native herbs year-round in a place where the weather’s brutal. As an entrepreneur and investor, I am hooked on how they have taken something raw and chaotic—literal broken pieces—and turned it into a sustainable, functional design. It’s scrappy, it’s smart, and it’s the kind of out-there thinking that gets me excited about what’s possible for the planet.
Wes Wakefield, Founder & CEO, Pro Coffee Gear
Demand Transparency in Textile Production
Sustainability matters a lot in textiles, and Earth Day is a big reminder that businesses should think beyond just selling products. One of the most impressive Earth Day initiatives I’ve seen is the “Fashion Revolution” movement. It pushes for transparency in the textile industry, urging brands to reveal where and how their fabrics are made.
The biggest challenge with sustainability is that people don’t always know what goes on behind the scenes. Fashion Revolution’s #WhoMadeMyClothes campaign gets customers asking real questions, and it pressures brands to respond. We took a lesson from that at Yorkshire Fabric Shop and started working more closely with suppliers to track fabric origins. Last year, we switched a portion of our upholstery collection to recycled materials, cutting waste by over 1,000 meters of fabric. That’s proof that small changes add up.
Jay Soni, Founder and Director of Sales and Marketing, Yorkshire Fabric Shop
Combat Desertification with the Great Green Wall
The Great Green Wall in Africa is one of the most ambitious Earth Day projects. Stretching across 8,000 kilometers, it helps fight desertification by planting trees and restoring land. Millions of people depend on this land for farming, and once soil dries out, it becomes nearly impossible to grow food. Restoring just one hectare can provide enough farmland to support a family. Large-scale efforts like this help communities thrive in places where climate shifts have made life harder.
Planting trees might sound simple, but reforesting dry areas requires careful planning. Native trees that survive in harsh conditions grow deep roots, which prevent erosion and hold moisture in the ground. Regions that take part in the Great Green Wall see better crop yields, cleaner air, and stronger local economies. Large projects that bring real change show how Earth Day efforts can go beyond awareness and make a lasting impact.
Victor Hernandez, COO and Property Safety Expert, Hurricane Safety Program
Plant Trees with the Billion Tree Campaign
The global Billion Tree Campaign stands out as an Earth Day initiative that truly motivates me. Through this worldwide initiative, communities are motivated to plant trees as a method of fighting climate change while also restoring natural habitats and increasing biodiversity. Tree planting captivates me because I see its impact firsthand through my daily responsibilities. Planting each tree represents a meaningful contribution to global health. Watching people come together for a shared mission of building a sustainable future moves me deeply. It shows me that every single action makes a difference and unites us.
Tammy Sons, CEO, TN Nursery
Participate in the Earth Hour Movement
Believe it or not, the Earth Hour movement is one of the simplest but most effective Earth Day initiatives. For one hour, cities, businesses, and homes switch off non-essential lights to reduce energy use and raise awareness of power consumption. Major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House have gone dark as part of the movement. The collective impact shows how small adjustments in daily habits can lead to big energy savings.
The biggest challenge is making sure Earth Hour is more than just a symbolic event. Turning off lights for an hour is great, but the real benefit comes when people think about their energy use long-term. More businesses should use this opportunity to install energy-efficient lighting, set policies for reducing waste, and invest in renewable power sources. A single hour won’t change much, but if millions of people commit to ongoing reductions, the impact adds up.
Benjamin Tom, Digital Marketing Expert and Utility Specialist, Electricity Monster
Share Resources with the Library of Things
The Library of Things movement has reshaped the way communities consume and share resources. Instead of individuals purchasing rarely used items like power tools, camping gear, or specialty kitchen appliances, shared libraries allow people to borrow them. These initiatives have reduced waste, encouraged a shift away from disposable consumerism, and made sustainability more accessible. Many local governments and community groups have backed these programs, expanding them into schools, workplaces, and apartment complexes. Earth Day has helped drive awareness, leading to thousands of new lending libraries opening worldwide.
Gifting has evolved in response. More people are choosing experience-based gifts, handmade items, and reusable alternatives over mass-produced consumer goods. Brands have started offering subscriptions to eco-conscious services, from plant-based meal deliveries to sustainable fashion rentals.
Danilo Miranda, Managing Director, Presenteverso
Engage in the GLOBE Program
The most remarkable Earth Day initiative that I have come across is the GLOBE Program. It is a worldwide science and education effort that connects students, teachers, and scientists to better understand the environment through data collection and analysis. This initiative goes beyond awareness by actively involving people in meaningful research that contributes to real scientific studies.
This program allows students and volunteers to collect data on air quality, soil conditions, water levels, and climate patterns. That information is then shared with scientists who use it to study long-term environmental changes. Participants gain more than just knowledge about environmental issues. They actively gather and submit real data that helps track global patterns. This direct involvement gives people a stronger connection to environmental challenges while also providing researchers with valuable insights.
Daniel Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Lava Roofing
Plant Trees for Peace in Colombia
Mine among the interesting Earth Day initiatives is Colombia’s “Earth Day for Peace” tree plantation program. Former guerrilla fighters together with local communities engage in tree planting to forge peace between themselves through this environmental initiative. Sustainability functions on two levels because it involves the natural world but also works to reconnect people with one another and their communities.
The distinctive feature of this program consists of two interconnected goals which include restoring damaged forests and uniting people in a nation that had endured prolonged warfare. The former combatants who lived in jungle territory are now dedicating their efforts to jungle restoration through the planting of native species to rebuild biodiversity and stop environmental degradation. This Earth Day tells a human-focused narrative about how environmental reconstruction leads toward peace-building results.
Samuel Huang, CEO, Tele Ads Agency
Join the Canopy Project for Reforestation
The Canopy Project is one of the most impactful Earth Day initiatives. Reforestation has always been a priority, but this project has scaled it to a massive level, planting hundreds of millions of trees across deforested areas. A single mature tree can absorb over 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year, meaning these efforts help cut emissions while restoring habitats. In places where forests have been lost due to agriculture or wildfires, this kind of work is essential.
The biggest challenge with large-scale tree planting is survival rates. Some projects focus on planting as many trees as possible but don’t plan for long-term care. The Canopy Project works with local communities to ensure young trees are protected, watered, and given the best chance to thrive. If more initiatives followed this model, reforestation efforts would be far more effective, leading to stronger ecosystems instead of just temporary fixes.
Barbara Robinson, Marketing Manager, Weather Solve
Adopt Green Transportation Methods
Banque Populaire’s Green Transportation project was of interest to me initially. Even offering electric bikes, it encourages staff to adopt green commutes through cycling allowances and public transportation reimbursement. It quite demonstrates dedication.
From experience, the project addresses a significant problem head-on: carbon emissions during daily commutes. It is giving tangible, physical advantages, so going beyond elementary vocabulary. One of the staff members described how the e-bike option made it reasonable for them to leave their car at home at last.
I appreciate the pragmatism of the program most. This is about creating an actual, not merely a symbolic change in behavior. I think these activities help to construct a more improved, sustainable future.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
Pledge to Billion Acts of Green
No doubt, the Billion Acts of Green initiative is one of the most impressive Earth Day efforts. Instead of relying on governments or big corporations, it encourages individuals to take small actions that add up. People pledge to reduce water waste, switch to renewable energy, or clean up their neighborhoods. With over 3 billion actions recorded, this initiative proves that even minor changes make a difference when enough people commit to them.
The challenge with individual actions is accountability. It’s easy to promise to use less plastic, but without reminders or incentives, many people go back to old habits. The best programs provide follow-ups, track progress, and make sustainability part of everyday life. When cities, businesses, and schools integrate these efforts into their systems, the results last far beyond Earth Day.
Nathan Mathews, CEO and Founder, Roofer
Connect Through the Connect4Climate Movement
For me, the most remarkable Earth Day initiative is Connect4Climate, a global movement led by the World Bank Group that brings together more than 500 partners to drive awareness and action on climate change. What makes it stand out is its creative approach to getting people engaged. Instead of relying on traditional methods, it uses film, art, music, and digital storytelling to make the message more relatable and accessible.
This initiative thrives on collaboration, bringing together governments, universities, businesses, and youth organizations to create a unified voice on climate issues. Scientists, activists, and people directly affected by climate change all contribute, making it a platform that amplifies different perspectives. The variety of campaigns, from competitions to large-scale events, keeps the conversation fresh and ensures it reaches new audiences.
Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast
Support Starbucks’ Greener Stores Initiative
The most impressive Earth Day initiative for me is Starbucks’ Greener Stores Initiative because they are making sustainability a core part of how their stores are built and operated. Many companies set environmental goals, but Starbucks is redesigning thousands of locations to cut energy use, reduce waste, and conserve water in ways that have a lasting impact.
They are using sustainable building materials, installing energy-efficient equipment, and implementing water conservation systems while maintaining the same level of service for customers. These aren’t minor adjustments. They are structural changes that improve efficiency on a large scale and reduce the company’s carbon footprint in measurable ways.
Daniel Vasilevski, Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical
Have Your Say
- What change would you like to see in future Earth Day campaigns?
- Which Earth Day initiative resonates most with you?
- How do you incorporate sustainability into your daily life?
Alignment with the UN SDGs
- Promotes sustainable practices (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)
- Advocates for climate action (SDG 13: Climate Action)
- Encourages partnerships for environmental change (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)
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