Let’s take this opportunity to think about the actions we can take and start habits that take us through the year and celebrate Earth Day, everyday!
The work we do at ecobirmingham enables small, everyday connections with nature, the foundation of a healthier, greener Birmingham. Whether it’s planting seeds for pollinators, cooking a meal from scratch with seasonal vegetables on our of our outdoor workshops or simply discovering a new greenspace on one of our wildlife walks or led bike rides where you can now enjoy nature quietly and choose to travel by bike away from the traffic — these connections matter more than you may think. They build a relationship with the natural world that lasts a lifetime!
3 small actions to celebrate Earth Day that can have a big impact.
1. Cook a seasonal or plant-based meal 🌿
Choosing seasonal, locally sourced or plant-based ingredients even once a week has a meaningful impact on your carbon footprint. It also reconnects you with the rhythms of the natural world.
A simple starting point: Visit your nearest market or farm shop, ask what’s local and in season right now, and let that guide what you cook.
This Spring salad utilises British Seasonal Spring veg and highlights tasty plant-based cooking.
Check out the ecobirmingham teams favourite Deliciously Plant Based Meals and let us know what you think.
Keep an eye on our events page and join us at a community event this year to learn more.
2. Grow something at home🌱
You don’t need a garden. You don’t need experience. You don’t even need much space.
Growing something at home is one of the most grounding things you can do for your wellbeing and your relationship with nature. You could spread wildflower seeds to help pollinators or grow herbs, salad leaves and tomatoes on a windowsill.
A simple starting point: Pick up a packet of wildflower or salad seeds from your local supermarket or garden centre — they’re inexpensive, fast-growing and incredibly satisfying. Plant them in a small pot or even reuse an empty yoghurt pot or jar. Water gently and watch them grow in the sun.
Learn more today about starting a windowsill garden, join an ecobirmingham workshop like Let’s Get Pollinating or support a local group like we did in Sparkhill, helping build a Child Friendly Neighbourhood and improving community spaces like Eucalyptus Corner.
3. Spend time outside 🌳
This one sounds simple and yet most of us don’t do it nearly enough.
Birmingham is a city with more trees per person than almost any other in Europe. We have parks, nature reserves, canals, woodland and open countryside within easy reach of almost every neighbourhood.
Research consistently shows that time in nature reduces stress, improves mood and builds a sense of connection to the world around us. It costs nothing. It requires nothing.
A simple starting point: use one of our resources like Secret Birmingham or 69 wards by bike or foot maps which highlight the great walking/cycling routes, as well as nature spots and hidden gems.
ecobirmingham is a non-profit organisation. With the support of our wonderful community, we can continue providing activities that help make Birmingham a greener, fairer and healthier place to live. Your support means the world.
Together we can make a difference! whether you are able to donate to support our work, try cooking a seasonal or plant-based meal, plant some seeds or spend some time outside in nature.