Each year in early June, two global celebrations remind us just how incredible—and fragile—our planet truly is. World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8) are more than calendar events; they’re powerful opportunities to reconnect with nature and recommit to protecting it. Whether you're an eco-expert or just starting your sustainable journey, there's something for everyone to do, learn, and share during this green week.
Let’s dive into how you can celebrate, learn, and take action in ways that are fun, affordable, and impactful.
Why These Days Matter
World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations and is now the largest global platform for environmental outreach, celebrated in over 150 countries. Each year has a different theme—this year, the theme is putting an end to plastic pollution (#BeatPlasticPollution).
World Oceans Day, recognized officially by the UN in 2008, highlights the vital role oceans play in sustaining life. Oceans produce over 50% of the oxygen we breathe and absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, according to the United Nations. Yet, they face major threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
These days are about hope and action—reminding us that even small efforts can ripple outward and create big change.
Easy and Impactful Ways to Celebrate
Here are simple, meaningful ways to honor both land and sea this June—and beyond.
1. Join a Local Cleanup
Cleaning up a beach, park, river, or neighborhood is one of the most immediate and satisfying ways to make a difference.
- Use gloves, reusable or environmentally-friendly bags, and buckets instead of plastic trash bags.
- Bring friends or family—it’s more fun (and productive) in groups.
- Can't join a local event? Start your own micro-cleanup and tag your city on social media to inspire others.
Find events through Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup or your local city’s environmental department.
2. Reduce Plastic Waste at Home
Plastic is one of the top pollutants in both urban areas and oceans.
Try this one-week plastic challenge:
- Switch to a reusable water bottle and coffee cup.
- Use reusable produce bags and beeswax or reusable wraps instead of plastic ones.
- Avoid products with microbeads—those tiny plastic scrubbers in some cosmetics.
- Look for plastic-free personal care swaps like shampoo bars and bamboo toothbrushes.
Fact to remember: A plastic bottle takes about 450 years to decompose (WWF), and every piece of plastic ever made still exists somewhere (National Geographic).
3. Donate to or Support Eco-Charities
Don’t have time to volunteer? Consider giving to reputable organizations doing the work for you:
- The Nature Conservancy (land and water conservation)
- Surfrider Foundation (ocean protection)
- World Wildlife Fund (global biodiversity)
You can also support small businesses that plant trees, remove ocean plastics, or offset emissions.
4. Go Plant-Based for the Day (or Week)
Livestock farming contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions (Sentient Media).
Try a few new plant-based recipes this week:
- Chickpea salad sandwiches
- Roasted veggie tacos
- Lentil Bolognese
Even one meatless day a week can make a significant environmental impact. The University of Oxford found that going vegan can reduce an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 73%.
5. Learn Something New
One of the best ways to honor these eco-holidays is by learning and sharing new knowledge.
Great documentaries to watch this week:
- Kiss the Ground — on regenerative farming
- A Plastic Ocean — the plastic pollution crisis
- My Octopus Teacher — a beautiful look at marine life
Or take a free online course from platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn or Udemy, many of which offer programs on sustainability and marine biology.
6. Support Sustainable Brands
Shopping mindfully makes a difference. Look for companies that are transparent about their:
- Supply chain
- Waste-reduction practices
- Recycled or compostable packaging
- Carbon-neutral shipping
Buy less, choose better, and support small businesses or certified B Corporations making a true impact.
7. Plant a Tree or Native Plants
Whether in your backyard, a community garden, or through a program that plants trees for you, this is a simple but meaningful way to celebrate.
Native plants help:
- Support local pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Prevent soil erosion
- Require less water
Some great programs to support:
8. Host a Green Gathering
Gather your community or friends for a sustainable picnic, clothing swap, book exchange, or “zero-waste” potluck.
Pro tip: Make it BYOC (bring your own container) and share tips like reusable cutlery or plastic-free snacks.
9. Write to Local Leaders
Use your voice to support climate-friendly policies:
- Ask for better recycling infrastructure
- Advocate for banning single-use plastics
- Request tree-planting or clean water funding
Check out Environmental Voter Project or League of Conservation Voters to get involved in advocacy.
10. Get Kids Involved
The next generation will inherit the planet we leave behind. Make sustainability fun and hands-on for kids:
- DIY bird feeders
- Ocean trivia games
- Recycled art projects
- Nature walks or tide pool exploration
Use simple language and emphasize the beauty of the Earth—not just the problems.
Fun Facts to Share
- Oceans absorb about 90% of the heat from global warming.
- Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity.
- More than 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year.
- Up to 1 million species are at risk of extinction, many within decades, according to the UN.
The good news? Every action matters. Your daily choices—what you eat, what you buy, how you vote, and how you treat nature—have a real impact.
Planet-Friendly Picks to Support Your Journey
As you explore new ways to care for the Earth and our oceans, here are a few everyday essentials we love—simple swaps that make a real difference:
- Mesh Produce Bags – Reusable and breathable, perfect for plastic-free grocery runs.
- Bamboo Cutlery Set – Ditch the disposables when eating on the go.
- Solid Dish Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner Bars – A zero-waste staple that’s gentle on waterways.
- Beeswax Wraps – A natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage.
We use these ourselves and offer them in our shop if you’d like to check them out. Explore eco essentials here.
Final Thoughts
World Environment Day and World Oceans Day are not just environmental events—they’re reminders of our collective power. You don’t need to live off the grid or become zero-waste overnight to make a difference. By making small, smart, and intentional choices, you’re helping regenerate ecosystems, reduce waste, and protect the very life support systems we all depend on.
So this June, honor the Earth. Celebrate the oceans. Learn something new. Plant a tree. Skip the plastic. Talk to your kids. Write to a lawmaker. Shop consciously. And most importantly—keep going.
Because every day is Earth Day when we act with care.
Photo by Rajesh Chetty on Pexels.