On April 22nd, Earth Day will arrive!
We’re only a few earthly rotations away from this holiday, but we just can’t wait to celebrate. If you’re looking for Earth Day ideas for work that’ll get the whole team going green, we’ve got you covered.
Before we hop into all the fun games, activities, and ideas for Earth Day, let’s work through some of the basics…
What Is Earth Day?
The first official Earth Day was held in 1970, and the meaning behind it has remained unchanged. The holiday is meant to give support and raise awareness for environmental protection initiatives from around the world. And we’ve made sure that the virtual Earth Day celebration ideas below align exactly with that mission!
When is Earth Day in 2024?
Earth Day begins on April 22nd. This year, it falls on a Monday, making it perfect to start your week with fun Earth Day activities at work.
These activities can be completed in the office or if your team is working remotely. Regardless of location, celebrating this important holiday can be a great team-wide event that honors the place we all call home.
15 Best Earth Day Celebration Ideas For Adults
1. Earth Day Trivia Event
Compete in a thrilling, fast-paced trivia game to show off your teams’ environmental knowledge.
Bring your coworkers all the excitement of your local bar trivia — with an eco-friendly twist — in an Earth Day trivia night. A quiz whiz host will take your coworkers through several exciting rounds of environmental and Earth Day trivia. This classic virtual team building experience is a fantastic way for your team to engage in a little friendly competition and learn more about the environment.
We always adore experiences that can mix camaraderie, competition, and the perfect theme.
Try out a theme with this online event: Wanna add a little wackiness to the evening? Make it a Captain Planet costume night. Nothing better than coworkers dressing up as the Planeteers.
Where to get started: See how down-to-earth your brain is
Live like Captain Planet in 2024!
2. Become A Composter
See what all the waste-free lifestyle fuss is about when you learn easy composting techniques in a sustainability class.
Give your leftovers to the Earth! A composting expert will teach you how to make your own at-home composting bin. Discover different ways to compost, what you can compost, and why this small action benefits the Earth. Some of the best Earth Day celebration ideas are about learning new skills that can help the environment long-term.
We’re big fans of the way this experience can help the world long after the class ends. Also, love that it means no more guilt when we forget our leftovers in the fridge. Yay for being eco-friendly!
Try out a theme with this online event: Start the night off by having everyone cook their favorite meal. But remember — don’t waste a thing! Your whole crew will be mastering composting shortly.
Where to get started: Become the champion of sustainability today
3. Visit a Community Garden
Visiting a community garden is a deeply profound way to celebrate and acknowledge Earth Day.
Community gardens are created by communities, regardless of their size. They can be created by a single family or as many people as an apartment complex or a school board. All it takes is a will to plant and nurture.
Find out your closest community garden and organize a visit with your team members. Sponsor a plant or gardening tools/equipment/resources on behalf of your organization.
Try out a theme with this online event: How about encouraging your team members to set up their own community gardens, whether it’s for their home or their community? Fix a date, share promotional content, and provide the step-by-step run of the show.
Where to get started: Learn more about community gardens, their impact, creating your own (if you want to!), and best practices in this in-depth resource by the SSSA, The Soil Science Society of America.
4. Learn About Waste-Free Living
Learn about leading a sustainable lifestyle in a waste-free workshop meant to empower your team’s eco-goals.
Are you looking for a hands-on approach to your virtual Earth Day activities? Learn small, but impactful techniques for a waste-free lifestyle that your coworkers can implement at work and at home. It’s an excellent opportunity for your team to learn new skills together while learning ways to help the environment.
We picked this employee engagement idea because teams can have a great time while learning a skill that can positively impact the environment long-term!
Try out a theme with this online event: ABC fashion show, anyone? Convert objects around the home into a funky, fashionable (or not-so-fashionable) outfit.
Where to get started: Start living waste-free today
5. Plan an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
This is one of those Earth Day activities that you and your coworkers can plan for any part of the day. You can even start off a meeting with this fun game that is easy, quick, and celebrates our wonderful planet before getting down to business.
Simply download the one-page PDF, distribute it to your team, and let them go on a scavenger hunt on the Friday before Earth Day. Plus, you can finish off with a fun cocktail party or happy hour meet up to celebrate this holiday with your team!
Try out a theme with this online event: Work outside! Put on some sunscreen, lace up your tennis shoes, it is time to work outside. If possible, work from your backyard, patio, balcony, or anywhere you might live that lets you enjoy some fresh air for Earth Day at work.
Where to get started: Download the PDF on Etsy to get started!
Pro-Tip: Check out the free email newsletter The Assist for more work activities & tips for becoming a better professional in just 5 minutes.
6. Organize a Cleanup Day
Cleanups are one of the most satisfying activities to do on Earth Day. Nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing nature restored to its pristine beauty.
The great thing about cleanups is that there are plenty of choices in terms of where you can do them – the local park/beach, a nature trail or reserve, and so on.
It’s also great as a team-building activity. Add a few themed t-shirts, bottled water, and maybe a prize (or two) for the best cleanup operation, and you’re good to go!
Try out a theme with this online event: Split your team members into groups. Allocate a different area for each group to clean up. Set up live feeds and regular check-ins throughout the clean-up exercise. Get everyone to do before/after photos and group photos for posterity!
Where to get started: Put together a list of potential areas of your community to clean up.
7. Send a Sustainable Gift
To celebrate Earth Day at work, a team gift might be just the ticket! The gifting experts at Goody have curated a catalog of sustainable and eco-friendly products that can be enjoyed by everyone on your team. They will even ship the items directly to your employees’ doorsteps to you can celebrate Earth Day remotely.
Try out a theme with this online event: Wear green! Celebrate Earth Day by wearing green to work. If you are lucky enough to own an Earth Day shirt, that would work too!
Where to get started: Explore sustainable gifts to send to your team.
8. Earth Day Art Project
Your team members can design an air-plant terrarium — no plant experience required!
Crafty experiences make for great Earth Day activities for adults. Green crafty experiences make for even better ones! Create your own mini-environment to bring all the good vibes into your home or office. And don’t worry if your thumb is less-than-green — a botanical expert will provide you with all the plant-care info you need. All you have to do is pick up your dedicated team building kit from your doorstep and log on!
We love how this experience taps into the more creative spirit of the Earth. Plus, did you know having plants around can improve the air quality and a persons’ mood?
Try out a theme with this online event: Have your team switch their backgrounds to their favorite scenery from around the world. The greener, the better!
Where to get started: Turn your thumbs green today
9. Schedule an “Explore Your Neighborhood” Hour
This is one of those Earth Day activities that you and your coworkers can plan for any part of the day based on how amenable the weather is. Employees get a full hour to go on a long walk exploring their neighborhood. They also take team pics along the way (with a camera and no mobile phones) and post them to the company Slack channel.
To make this an effective Earth Day experience, encourage your team members to discuss whatever they see along the way, share their memorable experiences of various locations, and have a final group huddle where they share how they benefited by simply walking outside and taking in the scenery.
Lay down some ground rules – no one is to carry any kind of electronic device, dispose of litter or trash they see on the way, and create no disturbances for plant or animal life on the trail.
Try out a theme with this online event: Plug the event as a way to get outdoors, breathe in some fresh air, and unplug from the technological world.
Where to get started: Put together a route that your employees can go on at lunch or for an afternoon walking break.
Tip: Have employees snap some pictures to include in a company-wide email or newsletter highlighting Earth Day!
10. Create Company Totes That Can Be Used at the Grocery Store
Motivate your employees to build upon sustainability practices by giving them reusable totes for their grocery trips. Reusable bags help reduce plastic waste, and ultimately your environmental impact. Plastic consumption already contributes to considerable litter both on land and in water where they additionally pose a threat to marine life.
A reusable tote also has utility value. It’s easy to pack and carry. Plus, you don’t spend on buying new bags simply for grocery shopping.
Try out a theme with this online event: Give away your grocery store totes as part of any of the Earth Day event ideas on this list. Employees will love how functional and environmentally friendly they are.
Where to get started: Order the Ultimate Grocery Tote for your team members here!
11. Set up a Company Wellness Challenge in April
Employee/Corporate wellness challenges promote a healthy lifestyle, build a sense of community, and foster team spirit.
Remember to incorporate your team members in preplanning to get their buy-in and active participation. Include challenges that cater to a range of fitness levels. Make sure the goals are achievable and provide incentives/rewards for added motivation. Keep team engagement levels high by fostering an environment of mutual support. Last but not least, track progress and celebrate milestones.
Try out a theme with this online event: Why not set up a company wellness challenge on notable wellness holidays in April? April 5 is Walk to Work Day, April 7 is World Health Day, and April 11 is Dog Therapy Appreciation Day for starters. Look online for a full list of wellness-themed holidays that you can choose for your wellness challenge.
Where to get started: Check out this guide on 16 different employee and corporate wellness challenges to try! for pointers!
12. Get Active With Earth Day Activities
Celebrate Earth Day this year with games and activities!
Instead of passively enjoying this eco-loving holiday, you can get involved in the spirit of the day with Earth Day Trivia, Earth Day Riddles, Earth Day Puzzles, and more. What about, how much do you really know about Earth Day? And lastly, can you find this Earth Day item!
Try out a theme with this online event: Sherlock Holmes. You know my methods, Mr. Watson. Have everyone dawn their best detective attire and solve these fun Earth Day games together!
Where to get started: Get your fun Earth Day printable playable bundle today!
13. Plant A Tree Charity Game
Play a series of short trivia-esque games and fight deforestation — all at the same time.
One of the best Earth Day activities for employees combines fun and charity! Earn points in a series of fun, fast mini-games. The more you earn, the more trees you plant to combat deforestation for chimpanzees.
We love this Earth Day activity because it gives your employees a goal to work toward while they play. Teams know they want to score as high as possible to plant as many trees as possible. Talk about a team building activity that makes an impact!
Try out a theme with this online event: Monkey-around by having your teams make their names after famous monkeys from around the world, like King Kong or Harambe.
Where to get started: Start savings those chimps ASAP
14. Cooking Class After Work
Learn a delicious new recipe and explore the concept of veganism from a professional chef!
Are you looking for a healthy and sustainable recipe to add to your weekly repertoire? Now you and your colleagues can learn a delicious vegan recipe from a professional chef. You’ll also learn a few tips about veganism and how it helps the environment. Sounds delicious!
It’s especially cool to learn about alternative cooking styles in a friendly, accessible way. Bonus points for being able to eat your meal right away, too.
Try out a theme with this online event: Really go green — have the team dress in all green for your fun team activity.
Where to get started: Dish out for Earth Day now
15. Virtual Game Show (Earth Day Edition)
Flip the trivia format on its head with this environmental Jeopardy-style game. Perfect for tapping into your team’s competitive edge!
Always wanted the Jeopardy experience, but didn’t know where to start? Play an Earth Day Jeopardy-style virtual game show with your fellow coworkers. Be kept on your toes by an eccentric host and learn a few Earthly facts along the way. Watch the fun grow before your very eyes. We especially love how this online trivia game is so interactive — your team will feel like they’re on a game show.
Try out a theme with this online event: Take it back to the very first Earth Day by having a 70s theme. Bring all the funk and fun of eco-friendly folks from five decades ago!
Where to get started: Let’s have a geo-party
Conclusion
So, are you ready to get down-to-earth?
Whether you play a thrilling competitive game or take a hands-on workshop, these Earth Day event ideas are sure to be a hit among your coworkers looking to have some fun at work this April.
And the best part is you can take the celebration far beyond Earth Day!
It’s never too late for some good sustainable team building efforts.
