Celebrating ‘Virtual Earth Day’ Can Have A Positive Impact

Typically, Earth Day is an opportunity to get outside and help in communities, participate in rallies and appreciate the beauty of planet earth. This year, social distancing due to coronavirus means Earth Day activities must move online. It may not be possible to celebrate shoulder to shoulder, but people from around the globe can still participate in virtual Earth Day activities and rallies to show their appreciation for the planet and commitment to taking action on issues like climate change.

Earth Day Live 2020 Goes Digital With Live Performances And 24 Ways To Take Action

Earthday.org, the website of Earth Day Network, is broadcasting a 24-hour virtual rally celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. From the Earth Day Network: “Over the 24 hours of Earth Day (12:01 a.m. ET – 11:59 p.m. ET on April 22), Earth Day Network [is filling] the digital landscape with global conversations, calls to action, performances, video teach-ins and more.” Adding, “Every hour, on the hour, we’ll have a new, powerful way for you to demand action and drive change.”

There will also be an additional two days of livestreams on Earthday.org, offering opportunities for people around the world to participate in and discuss collective mobilization efforts around climate change. In the days leading up to the event, Earth Day Network shared projects and lecture series in support of #EarthDay2020.

The Earth Day Network aims to keep the messaging around the 50th anniversary celebration of Earth Day proactive and positive, reminding those who may feel helpless while stuck at home that unity and action are still possible: “While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it will not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward. We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever. While you may feel isolated, you’re never alone, because we’re all in this together, here on Earth.”

Zoos Are Offering Earth Day Activities For Kids And Families

Zoos around the country are hosting virtual Earth Day celebrations, many of which are geared toward getting kids involved with environmentally focused activities. The San Diego Zoo is working with the Earth Day Network, offering activities and educational resources, like studying animal behaviors with the zoo’s live cams and becoming “citizen scientists” tracking animals from remote trail cameras. Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford, MA kicked off their Virtual ZooCrew! this week with a focus on “nature’s most miraculous moms and daredevil dads.” According to the zoo, the “Virtual ZooCrew program will include four days of fun-filled animal curricula, jam-packed with videos, games, crafts and hands-on activities that will bring the zoo right into your own home!” Zoos are among the many organizations struggling economically since quarantine started, so Earth Day could also serve as natural opportunities for people to show their support with donations while enjoying the free programs. 

Parks, museums and other cultural institutions around the country are also hosting virtual Earth Day get togethers, lectures, scavenger hunts and activities for families. 

Brands Partner With Ibotta To Save The Trees In Celebration Of Earth Day

Ibotta, a cash back rewards and payments app, has partnered with more than 20 consumer packaged good (CPG) brands to raise awareness about the more than one million trees killed each month for unused paper coupons, and the impact on the environment. The Earth Day initiative includes a collaboration between Ibotta and Trees for the Future to plant a million trees. Since April 14, Ibotta has maintained a counter on their website that tracks every tree planted as part of the Earth Day campaign. Ibotta users can redeem special Earth Day cash-back offers and promotions from partner brands, including Honest, Clif and Sweet Earth. 

It can be difficult to be positive when there is an ongoing global crisis, but the messages of unity and action many brands and organizations are embracing for Earth Day is a reason to feel hopeful and energized. Positive energy can be contagious and helpful during times of worry, and brands that embrace forward-thinking attitudes, whether it’s Earth Day or any day, may find positive feedback from consumers.

Are You Looking For Unique Opportunities To Make A Positive Impact?

At Digital Media Solutions® (DMS), we help companies grow so we can drive meaningful change in the world. Our core business supports our efforts to take action, lead by example and encourage those around us to positively impact their local and global communities.