Every year on April 22, people across the globe celebrate Earth Day—a moment to honor the planet we call home. At Outdoor Afro, this day holds deep meaning. It’s a chance to not only recognize the beauty of nature, but to uplift the long-standing relationship that Black communities have with the land: one rooted in stewardship, joy, resilience, and care.
While Earth Day often centers on action, we also believe it’s about connection. Whether you’re hiking your favorite trail, planting something new, or simply pausing to breathe in the spring air—every mindful moment in nature is a way to say thank you.
This year, we’re sharing 5 simple ways to celebrate Earth Day with intention. These practices are easy to do, powerful in impact, and a beautiful reminder that our connection to the earth is something to nourish every day of the year.
1. Get Outside Intentionally
You don’t have to travel far or plan a big adventure to celebrate Earth Day—sometimes the most meaningful moments come from simply stepping outside with intention. Whether it’s a quiet walk around your neighborhood, sitting under a tree at your local park, or hiking a familiar trail, being present in nature allows us to slow down and truly notice what surrounds us.
Try turning your phone on silent, taking a few deep breaths, and tuning in to the sounds, scents, and textures around you. The rustle of leaves, the warmth of sunlight, the rhythm of your own footsteps—these are all invitations to connect.
Need a little inspiration? Open the Outdoor Afro app to find a local hike, nature walk, or community event happening near you. Whether you go solo or join a group, celebrating Earth Day with intention starts by simply stepping outside and noticing the beauty around you.
2. Give Back to the Earth
Earth Day is a powerful reminder that caring for nature is a two-way relationship. While we receive so much from the land—beauty, peace, fresh air—we can also give back through simple, everyday acts of stewardship. Here are three ways you can start today and keep going all year long:
🌊 Join a local cleanup. Look for beach, park, or trail cleanups happening in your area. These events are a great way to protect natural spaces and meet others who care about the environment too.
🌱 Plant something native. Add native plants, flowers, or vegetables to your yard, balcony, or community garden. Native species support pollinators and strengthen local ecosystems.
♻️ Start a sustainability habit. Whether it’s composting, recycling better, reducing plastic use, or cutting down food waste—small shifts in our daily lives help reduce our impact and protect the planet.
When we care for the earth, we’re not just helping the environment—we’re participating in a legacy of love, respect, and responsibility that runs deep in Black history and culture.
3. Learn and Share
Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to expand your understanding of the land, its history, and the many ways Black communities have long cared for and connected with nature. Take time to learn something new—read a book or article, listen to a podcast, or explore the stories of Black environmental leaders and movements.
Here are three great places to start:
🎧 The Trail Ahead Podcast – Conversations at the intersection of race, environment, history, and culture in the outdoors.
📰 Grist.org – A nonprofit newsroom focused on climate, justice, and solutions, often uplifting BIPOC voices and leadership.
📚 Outdoor Afro Blog – Dive into reflections, interviews, and stories directly from our community about Black joy, nature, and leadership.
And don’t keep that knowledge to yourself! Share what you learn with your friends, family, or online community. Every time we uplift our stories and traditions, we help shape a more inclusive and powerful vision of environmental care.
4. Celebrate in Community
Earth Day isn’t just about individual action—it’s also a beautiful chance to reconnect with others and find joy together in nature. Whether you plan something big or keep it simple, gathering in outdoor spaces reminds us that community care and environmental care go hand in hand.
Here are a few ways to celebrate with others:
🍽️ Host a neighborhood potluck or picnic in a local park
🥾 Invite friends or family on a nature walk or hike
🌻 Join a community gardening day or start a garden project together
Spending time outside in good company is more than fun—it’s restorative. It’s a form of resistance rooted in joy, legacy, and connection. When we nurture our communities in nature, we’re building something powerful: collective well-being.
5. Make Every Day Earth Day
Earth Day is a beautiful spark—but the love, care, and connection we have with the planet shouldn’t stop on April 22. Nature is with us every day, and we can honor that relationship through the small, mindful choices we make all year long.
Maybe it’s choosing to walk or bike when you can, reducing your plastic use, shopping secondhand, or being more intentional about how you consume. Maybe it’s simply pausing for a few minutes each day to step outside, feel the sun on your skin, or notice something blooming.
However you show up, know this: your connection to nature isn’t just a seasonal celebration—it’s a lifelong relationship. One rooted in joy, presence, and the everyday decisions that shape a more sustainable future for us all.
As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s remember that nature isn’t something we just visit—it’s something we live in, every single day. Whether you’re stepping outside for a quick breath of fresh air, participating in a cleanup, or gathering with loved ones in the great outdoors, every action we take to care for the earth is an opportunity to deepen our connection with nature and each other.
And as you continue to explore and care for the earth, we invite you to connect with others and find new ways to experience nature through the Outdoor Afro app. With it, you can discover local events, outdoor activities, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for the environment.
Download the Outdoor Afro app today and join us in making every day Earth Day—together.