Designated in 1969 and first celebrated a year later in 1970, April 22 has annually been known as “Earth Day” for the past 40-plus years. In fact, many actually celebrate the entire month of April these days as “Earth Month.”

So with April 22 fast approaching on the calendar, here’s a quick look at some planting tips to help do your part on Earth Day. Who knows, one day your Earth Day actions might even end up helping to save the world:

1. Plant a tree: Trees are by far the most popular item planted on Earth Day, even though Arbor Day is five days later on April 27. And arguably, trees are also the type of plant that’s most likely to help the environment. Trees filter pollution from the air, help recycle water, prevent soil loss and they help produce oxygen. Without trees, none of us would be alive – that’s how important they are. So if you’re going to do one thing, plant a tree this Earth Day.
2. Start a garden: Gardens are another great thing to start on Earth Day, due to the fact that they help promote a more sustainable society. And contrary to what you may believe, starting a garden doesn’t have to be a complicated undertaking. Simply head out to your local greenhouse and pick up some plants and seeds of your favorite fruits and vegetables, as well as soil and nutrients to encourage their growth. Don’t use chemical pesticides (it is Earth Day, after all) and then be sure to take good care of your crops. Once you pick that first tomato off the stem in a few months, it will be all worth it. You can start a garden in as big of an area as your backyard or as small of an area as your box window sill.
3. Beautify: OK, so this planting tip might not exactly involve planting, but cleaning up and beautifying an area can be a huge help to the survival and growth of flowers, trees and other plants in that particular area. Prune shrubs, clear leaves from grass lawns and flower beds and remove dead or broken branches from trees to facilitate new growth. Like we said, it’s not exactly “planting,” but a little bit of beautifying can go a long way in leading to new growth.