Celebrating Earth Day Every Day: Reflections from Midlife

As a mother of three wonderful adult sons aged 18 to 24, the concept of sustainability has taken on a deeply personal significance for me. I am driven by a desire to leave them a world that is healthier and more vibrant than the one in which I grew up. Nature has always been a sanctuary for me, especially hiking through the tranquil trails of Fairfax, my home town in Marin County, California. These experiences have sharpened my resolve to live with a smaller ecological footprint. In midlife, I find myself increasingly focused on the benefits of sustainable living—not just for my own well-being, but as a vital legacy for my children and future generations.  I’ll explore five practical ways we can, at midlife, celebrate Earth Day all year round, ensuring we contribute positively to the planet that sustains us all.

Embracing Minimalism

Midlife can often bring a sense of needing to declutter—not just our homes, but our lives. Embracing a minimalist approach isn't merely about having less; it's about having more of what truly adds value to our lives. This Earth Day and beyond, consider the environmental impact of consumer goods. Each item we choose not to buy is a small victory for our planet. Think about starting with your wardrobe or your kitchen, two areas where many of us tend to accumulate excess or duplicates of many things.

Volunteering for Green Causes

Since starting the podcast, Tish and I have been inspired by the stories of so many listeners who volunteer their time for the environment. Whether it's participating in local cleanups or helping out at a community garden, every little bit contributes to a larger change. If you’re not sure where to start, local environmental groups often have events that welcome volunteers of all ages. And it’s easy to join things like Earth Day or beach clean ups when they arise.

Sustainable Habits at Home

Making your home eco-friendlier can be one of the most direct and impactful ways to live greener. Simple changes like fixing leaky faucets, investing in LED lighting, or setting up a compost bin can significantly reduce your ecological footprint. Personally, I’ve found that composting not only reduces waste but also reconnects me with the cycle of nature right in my backyard. And using eco-friendly products in recyclable packaging and with more environmentally friendly ingredients is also a way to protect the planet.

Educating Yourself and Others

We all know that knowledge is power, and this is especially true when it comes to environmental issues. There are countless resources available that can deepen our understanding of ecological challenges and solutions. I encourage you to read books, watch documentaries, and even attend workshops on sustainability. Once you’ve armed yourself with information, spread the word on what you feel passionate about. The more people know how they can contribute to the solution, the more they can do to help.

Supporting Eco-Friendly Businesses

Lastly, the choices we make with our wallets have tremendous power. Supporting local and eco-friendly businesses is not just good for the environment, it helps foster a sense of community and connection to our local economies. Look for certifications like Fair Trade or Organic, and research companies to see if their values align with yours. I try to shop locally in my home town of Fairfax, California from the seasonal farmers market to our local stores for everything from gifts to plants and groceries. If you want to take it even further, use your investment dollars to support eco-friendly companies.

Every day is an opportunity to make choices that respect our planet. As we navigate midlife, let’s take pride in setting an example for future generations, showing them that it’s never too late to start making a difference.

I hope these reflections inspire you to incorporate Earth Day’s message into your life throughout the year. If you have your own tips or stories to share, I’d love to hear from you. Drop us a comment below or reach out through our podcast’s social media channels. Together, let’s make everyday Earth Day.

Here’s to a greener tomorrow,

Ellen