No matter what life throws at us even in the most challenging times, we can rely on the reassuring consistency of the natural world: The sun will rise and the seasons will change, bringing new growth and a chance to get outside. It is probably no coincidence that 50 years ago, the original organizers of Earth Day chose spring as an ideal moment to celebrate our connection to the planet that sustains us.

While Earth Day is a global celebration, the health of our most local environments has never felt more important than it does right now. Let’s live our commitment to a greener future on a micro level this year by tending to our own backyards in three simple steps!