With Earth Day on the horizon (April 22), April has become a month to consider our impact on the planet and how we can be more sustainable. It’s a time for reflection, but also a time for action. How can we transform our behaviour individually and collectively to create a more sustainable environment and protect Earth? 

This month’s challenges at Planet Earth Games are all aimed at supporting sustainability and building a greater connection with the natural environment.

Plus by completing this month’s challenges, you will be in with a chance of winning an amazing prize! Planet Earth Games has teamed up with Hot Bin Composting to offer a Mini Compost Bin. 

This prize has an innovative design and super insulating material which keeps compost hot, creating a natural environment which quickly digests food and garden waste recycling it into peat free compost. HOTBIN users have individually recycled at least 5kg of waste a week, a massive 260kg each year that avoids going to landfill!

All you have to do it complete four challenges this month and nominate two friends on Instagram or Facebook.

So, here’s four things you can do this month… 

FLICK THE SWITCH 

An estimated 10% of people in the UK admit to leaving the lights on when we leave them room.   Another survey reveals that 12% leave a night light on while they sleep.  

With most homes still using electricity generated by burning fossil fuels, it means an estimated 37 million kg of carbon dioxide emissions per day. Which of course, has climate consequences, emitting greater greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. With household bills on the rise from more expensive energy, and daylight-saving hours in place, now is the time to get into good habits around energy conservation. So, turn off lights that are not in use and make the most of the natural light this summer. Take the challenge.

A LADYBIRD LODGE? 

More than 40% of insect species are declining and a third are endangered, according to a 2019 report. The total mass number of insects is in decline by around 2.5% per year, leaving a huge impact on the ecosystem. The decline in pollinators such as bees leads to less flowering plants and a lower crop yield. This means a lower number of seeds, fruit, plant regeneration and less food for humans and the wider animal populations.  

Additionally, another big impact of the loss of insects is as a food source for birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. All of whom rely upon insects for their diet. So, what can we do? Well, one immediate, accessible action is to encourage the return of insects to your garden or even a community space by building a bug hotel. Insects love nooks and crannies among decaying wood, so let’s give them the five-star treatment. 

There is some great advice for creating a bug hotel on the Woodland Trust website.

PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP 

Spring is a time of revival and rebirth. It’s the season when nature awakes from winter. Many animals wake from hibernation and there is a period of breeding. Many birds migrate in search of climes where they can successfully breed. Wildflowers start to blossom and bloom, which trees regain their green sheen from newly sprouting leaves.  

Getting out into nature offers a richer experience in Spring than arguably any other time of year. Plus, it is great for our wellbeing too. Studies are showing that connecting with nature helps nurture happiness in people, encouraging positive emotions, including calmness, joy and creativity.  In addition, the Mental Health Foundation says “Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health; in particular lower depression and anxiety levels.” 

You see? Being in nature is good for you. So, explore this spring. Look out for bluebells, listen out for the chaffinch and seek out frogspawn and other wonders of nature. With so much to see, hear, touch, smell and hear, it’s a time where the senses really come alive, naturally. 

CARBON REDUCTION 

The emission of greenhouse gasses from human activity is leading to global warming and climate change. This is resulting in the rise of sea levels, more extreme weather and negative impacts on the ecosystem. One of the main sources of greenhouse gasses is burning of fossil fuels for transportation and energy,  

The reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has become a key objective for local, national and international communities to avoid climate catastrophe. So, what can we do? Well, to improve our own health and that of the planet, we can rethink our regular commutes. Could you walk, cycle or even share transport to do your bit towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions? In England, even for short distances of 1–2 miles, over 60% of journeys are made by motor vehicle.  Take the challenge with record breaking vegan runner Fiona Oakes.

Spring is a time for renewal, regeneration and growth. Take the opportunity this April, perhaps through Planet Earth Games?