Happy Leap Day! As we revel in the extra 24 hours gifted to us, let’s take the time to give back to Mother Earth.
Here at Green Is The New Black, you know how much we value #LittleGreenSteps. With this year’s Earth Overshoot Day being pushed up by 8 days, from last year’s 2nd August to this year’s 25th July, we need to be even more grateful for the extra day we have. And also, at the same time, remind ourselves that we really don’t need a special day to do more for our planet.
But first, what is Earth Overshoot Day?
Earth Overshoot Day is an annual event that the Global Footprint Network organises to mark the moment at which human demand for natural resources and services exceeds the planet’s yearly capacity for regeneration. In essence, it marks the point at which human activity has exhausted the planet’s natural resources—such as water, soil, and forests—in less than a year. The elapsing period between Earth Overshoot Day and year-end underscores the sustainable depletion of the planet’s resources, exacerbating issues such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change
Okay, so what does the Leap Year have to do with the environment?
It’s not so much about the environment as it is about what we should do with this literal extra day, while simultaneously reminding ourselves that we don’t need a particular day to do all of these things. There’s so much potential for #LittleGreenSteps.
- Energy Conservation
One of the most immediate environmental benefits of Leap Day is the opportunity to conserve electricity. Because this extra day extends the month of February, which is generally a month of lower energy usage anyway, businesses and individuals can benefit from decreased energy needs. This brief break can help reduce carbon emissions and provide some comfort for the environment. Also, imagine if we dedicated one day every month to reducing our energy consumption. Imagine the difference that could make.
- Embrace a Plant-Based Diet
We know it’s not Veganuary, and despite this year’s Veganuary being the most successful it’s ever been with 25 million people participating, imagine if every single person on the planet embraced a plant-based diet on leap year. The possibilities are endless! A plant-based diet not only reduces the environmental impact associated with animal agriculture but also promotes health and well-being.
- Green Transportation Exploration
Leap Day is a perfect excuse to mix up your commute. Maybe try biking or walking for short distances, explore public transportation options, or carpool with friends. It’s not about giving up your car entirely, but finding alternatives that fit your lifestyle while reducing your carbon footprint. It’s literally once every four years; what better use of time to understand that it’s just not sustainable for us to move forward in a car-centric world?
- Native Plant Gardening
Now this is pretty fun. Instead of dreaming big, start small with a native plant garden. Pick plants that are local to your area—they’re hardy, need less water, and attract local wildlife. It’s like creating a little haven for both you and nature. Plus, gardening has a therapeutic touch that can turn Leap Day into a genuinely grounding experience. You can even make a whole event out of this with friends and family! You’re also killing two birds with one stone, as it’s a perfect time to educate and teach loved ones the importance of sustainability and the ticking time bomb that is the climate crisis.
- Mindful Consumption
Leap Day is your chance to declutter your life, both mentally and physically. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it’s something you truly need. Unplug, unwind, and enjoy a day where the focus is on face-to-face interactions or just some quiet time with a good book. It’s a small pause that not only conserves energy but also refreshes your mind. Quality over quantity becomes the mantra as you discover the joy in fewer, more meaningful possessions.
Leap Day 2024 gives us an additional 24 hours to have a beneficial influence on the environment. By implementing these #LittleGreenSteps into our daily lives, we may help to create a more sustainable and thoughtful world. Let’s take this step towards a greener future, understanding the significance of our actions in saving the earth for future generations. But also, remember that we don’t need an extra day every four years to do these. The idea is to start small, and eventually it’ll just be an effortless part of your daily routine.